4 Ways Anesthesiologists Work to Keep You Pain-free During Surgery

The anesthesiologist often plays a more important role in surgical care than many patients realize. The best care providers are those who actively work with their patients in order to ensure a pain-free procedure and a speedy recovery. The full range of skills, resources and efforts that an anesthesiologist typically employs during even a routine surgery may surprise you.

Working With the Patient

Active listing is a core skill among healthcare providers. Learning more about a patient’s needs, preferences and past medical experiences can help the anesthesiologist to develop the best plan of care. Taking the time to discuss a patient’s past surgeries or to discuss the potential side effects of an upcoming procedure can go a long way towards ensuring the experience is able to be made as comfortable and pain-free as possible.

Anesthesia Equipment

Putting a patient under and caring for them throughout surgery typically involves a wide range of medical equipment. The use of a portable anesthesia station helps to keep everything organized and within reach while allowing the anesthesiologist to more easily travel with the patient as they are moved into and out of the operating room. These stations are equipped with oxygen and med gas, intubation equipment, as well as IV kits, syringes, and whatever else may be needed in order to administer medications.

Assessments, Diagnostic Procedures and Past Medical History

Every patient is unique which makes determining how they will respond to a medication or treatment a little tricky. A skilled anesthesiologist can assess the overall state of a patient, help diagnose any issues which may interfere with treatment and use a patient’s past medical history to help guide their decisions. Developing an individualized plan of care eliminates many of the issues that might otherwise cause unnecessary pain and discomfort.

Calibrating Medications and Titrating the Dosage

While developing a plan of care is essential, even the best plans can go awry. Calibrating medications during a surgery in order to adjust or titrate dosages is an important skill. Making real-time adjustments to their treatments and efforts helps to ensure that patients can be kept as comfortable as possible, both during and after a surgery.

Respiratory management during surgery is an issue of critical importance. Experienced anesthesiologists need to be able to identify any emerging issues that may develop and then act accordingly. From life-saving interventions to the routine care needed to ensure optimal patient comfort, a skilled anesthesiologist can be a key player during any surgical procedure.