Anaesthetics
Anesthesia Procedure: Medical Overview and Steps
Anesthesia is a medical procedure involving the administration of medications to induce a controlled state of temporary loss of sensation or consciousness. It is used to ensure patients are pain-free and comfortable during surgical or medical procedures. Anesthesia can be categorized into three main types: general anesthesia, regional anesthesia, and local anesthesia.
Procedure Steps:
Preoperative Assessment: Before administering anesthesia, the anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist conducts a thorough preoperative evaluation of the patient’s medical history, current health status, medications, allergies, and any potential risks.
Informed Consent: The patient receives information about the type of anesthesia to be used, potential risks and benefits, and any alternatives. Informed consent is obtained, ensuring the patient’s understanding and agreement.
Monitoring: Before the procedure, the patient is connected to monitors that track vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and electrocardiogram (ECG) readings.
Medication Administration:
- General Anesthesia: The patient is induced into a state of unconsciousness and insensitivity to pain. Intravenous (IV) medications are administered to induce sleep, and a breathing tube may be inserted to assist with breathing.
- Regional Anesthesia: This type numbs a specific area of the body. Epidural, spinal, or nerve block injections are commonly used for procedures like childbirth or orthopedic surgeries.
- Local Anesthesia: Medication is injected near the surgical site to numb only the immediate area. This is often used for minor procedures.
Monitoring During Anesthesia:
- General Anesthesia: Throughout the procedure, the patient’s vital signs, oxygen levels, and depth of anesthesia are closely monitored.
- Regional and Local Anesthesia: The patient is conscious but comfortable. Vital signs and the effectiveness of anesthesia are monitored.
Procedure Support: The anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist continually adjusts the anesthesia medications to maintain the desired level of sedation, pain relief, and safety.
Emergence and Recovery: After the procedure, anesthesia administration is gradually decreased or stopped. The patient is monitored in a recovery area as they regain consciousness and are able to breathe independently.
References:
American Society of Anesthesiologists. (2021). Types of Anesthesia. Retrieved from https://www.asahq.org/whensecondscount/anesthesia-101/types-of-anesthesia/
American Society of Anesthesiologists. (2021). Preparing for Surgery: Anesthesia Options. Retrieved from https://www.asahq.org/whensecondscount/preparing-for-surgery/anesthesia-options/
Cleveland Clinic. (2021). Anesthesia. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/11158-anesthesia
Mayo Clinic. (2021). Anesthesia: Types, Risks, and Side Effects. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/anesthesia/about/pac-20384595
U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2021). Anesthesia – What to Ask Your Doctor Before Surgery. MedlinePlus. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000006.htm
Please note that the specifics of anesthesia procedures may vary based on the patient’s health, the type of procedure, and the anesthesiologist’s experience. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals for personalized advice and information regarding anesthesia procedures.
Below are eight Anaesthetist that can assist with anaesthesia medical procedures
Dr Kashif Abass
Anaesthetist
- Phone:+27 21 840 7006
- Email:[email protected]
Dr Anne Alexandra Emmanuel
Anaesthetist
- Phone:+27 21 782 6132
- Email:[email protected]
Dr David Kirsch
Specialist Anaesthesiologist
- Phone:+27 21 785 6934
- Email:[email protected]
Dr Ntombiyethu Biyase
- Phone:+27 11 4884344
- Email:[email protected]
Dr Catherine Knights
Medical Doctor at Anaesthesiology private practice
- Phone:+27 44 302 5200
- Email:Website form
Dr Edington & Partners
Anaesthesiologists
- Phone:(031) 202-6892
- Email:[email protected]
DR. KARIN BOOYSEN
Anaesthetist
- Phone:(012) 430 7369
- Email:[email protected]
Van Zyl Anaesthesiologists
Anaesthesiologists
- Phone:012 333 7726
- Email:[email protected]
Medical Aids that cover Anaesthetics
🔎 Provider | ▶️ Covers Anaesthetics | ⏩ Top Plan Covering Anaesthetics |
🥇 Bestmed | ✅ Yes | Beat 2 |
🥈 Bonitas | ✅ Yes | BonClassic |
🥉 Cape Medical | ✅ Yes | HealthPact Select |
🏅 CompCare | ✅ Yes | DYNAMIX |
🎖️ Discovery Health | ✅ Yes | Discovery Health Classic Delta Core |
🏆 FedHealth | ✅ Yes | FlexiFED 2 |
🥇 Genesis | ✅ Yes | Med 200 |
🥈 Sizwe Hosmed | ✅ Yes | Platinum Enhanced |
🥉 KeyHealth | ✅ Yes | Equilibrium |
🏅 Makoti Medical | ✅ Yes | Comprehensive Option |
🎖️ Medihelp | ✅ Yes | MedElite |
🏆 Medimed | ✅ Yes | Medisave Max |
🥇 MedShield | ✅ Yes | PremiumPlus |
🥈 Momentum | ✅ Yes | Extender |
🥉 Suremed | ✅ Yes | Challenger |
🏅 Thebemed | ✅ Yes | Fantasy |