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Anesthesia

75672961Anesthesia, or anaesthesia, options have been significantly enhanced in recent years. Whether it is local anesthesia, regional anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia administered by an anesthesiologist, dentist, or a nurse, there are quicker acting and longer-lasting formulations designed to relieve fear, dismiss anxiety and prevent pain!

What is Anesthesiology?

Anesthesiology is the science and practice of pharmacologically blocking pain and responsiveness in order for people to undergo successful surgeries, childbirth, other medical or dental treatments without experiencing pain. In fact, the term “anesthesia” comes from a Greek word coined by Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. back in 1846, meaning “without sensation.” Board Certified Anesthesiologists offer a most comfortable and safe way to get through medical procedures.

Anesthesia Types

The four main types that are well-known include: sedation, local anesthesia, regional anesthesia, and general anesthesia. There are also combinations that may be used to offer the optimal benefit in select situations.  There are several factors that go into the decision for anesthesia, including:  the type of procedure or surgery, your medical history and medical condition, allergies, risk factors for an adverse reaction, and your comfort level. So, it’s wise to learn more about  Anesthesia Choices.

Know The Important People Behind the Anesthesia

In the U.S., the majority of anesthesia is given by anesthesia care teams (or ACTs) with a main anesthesiologist in charge of nurses and assistants. Anesthesiology practices around the world differ depending on the country, but most nations only place such duties in the hands of trained physicians and medical staffs.

An American physician who desires to be an anesthesiologist typically completes four years of University coursework, plus four years of medical school, and an additional four years of postgraduate medical training or residency.  The American Society of Anesthesiologists states that anesthesiologists administer or oversee the administration of 90 percent of the 40 million anesthetics given each year to patients.

Board certified Anesthesiologists in the US must pass the oral and written Board examinations to become a “Diplomate” of the American Board of Anesthesiology (or of the American Osteopathic Board of Anesthesiology for osteopathic physicians). There are even sub-specialties of anesthesiologists, including pediatric, neurological, obstetrical, cardiothoracic and more. It is wise to ask your doctor or surgeon about the credentials of the anesthesiologist he or she works with and the one who will be providing your anesthesia.

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Know The Tools of an Anesthesiologist

Anesthesiologists assist in ensuring you receive proper care throughout the course of your treatment. Patient safety is the top priority. So,  board certified Anesthesiologists  have a vast, detailed knowledge of all the necessary equipment—pressure gauges, ventilators, vaporizers, intravenous supplies and respirator machines—plus clear, ongoing assessments of anesthetics during surgery, the risks, precautions to take to prevent risks,  and prevention of infection and contamination. Inquire about the availability of these tools and knowledge  at the facility in which you plan to have a procedure. There has been a tremendous growth in the number of office based surgical centers that started to surface in roughly 2003. As such, standards needed to be identified, regulations needed to be developed, laws needed to be created and full compliance requirements may not go into effect in some U.S. states until 2014 or thereafter. Enforcement is the next issue to address. Therefore, healthcare consumers need to be savvy about health access issues and the following information.

Monitoring individuals after administering the anesthesia is the constant job of the anesthesiologist. The American Society of Anesthesiologists have standardized monitoring guidelines for individuals receiving general anesthesia, regional anesthesia, or sedation to ensure safety, best practices and optimal results.  Office based surgical centers that are accredited with the AAAASF or other related authority, such as JACHO, have passed a rigorous screening process to ensure all precautions are being taken to ensure safety at the office based surgical center.  If you are having surgery at an office based facility, it is wise to find out if the facility is fully accredited.

Finally, a common misconception among patients is that people wake up during surgery. This occurs less than 0.010 percent of the time, and it usually happens to people with genetic predispositions—as in, family members who have experienced such a wake-up during surgery. Tell your anesthesiologist about this family history. Even when this rare instance occurs, the vast majority of patients do not feel pain and only have vague, hazy memories of the experience.

In conclusion, when pain is your issue, there’s no better feeling than being in the good hands of a kind, knowledgeable Board Certified Anesthesiologist.

It is important to recognize that all information contained on this website cannot be considered to be specific medical diagnosis, medical treatment, or medical advice. As always, you should consult with a physician regarding any medical condition.Your Health Access disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.