ANAESTHETISTS: “TAKING CARE OF YOUR LIFE WHILE YOU CAN’T”

Anaesthesia and You.

In the first place, we want to reassure you about the ability and qualifications of the anaesthetist who will manage you during surgery. Anaesthetists in Australia are specialists - that is, they are among the world’s most highly trained doctors, having spent years undergoing specialist training in anaesthesia, pain control, resuscitation and managing medical emergences.

• The role of the Anaesthetist.
• What should I tell the Anaesthetist?
• Is fasting really necessary?
• After the Operation.
• Complications and risk factors.
• Infections.
• Blood Transfusion.
• Going Home.
• Your Role.
• What does it cost?

The role of the Anaesthetist.

People often think of anaesthesia as being put to sleep. However, that’s not strictly true. Rather, the anaesthetist puts you in a state of carefully controlled unconsciousness. This is done so that surgery will be painless.

No chance is taken during this period. All of your bodily functions are carefully and constantly monitored by your anaesthetist.

Afterward, we want you to experience as little pain and discomfort as possible and here again, the anaesthetist will help.

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What should I tell the Anaesthetist?

• How healthy you are, if you have had any recent illnesses and also about any previous operations.
• Abnormal reactions to any drugs, or whether you have any allergies.
• Any history of asthma, bronchitis, heart problems or any other medical conditions.
• Whether you are taking any drugs at present- including cigarettes and alcohol- and, for women, whether they are on the pill.
• If you have dentures, caps or plates.

The anaesthetist wants to have the best possible picture of you and your present conditions so that the most suitable anaesthetic can be planned. It is really all about minimising risk.

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Is fasting really necessary?

We know the pangs of hunger can be severe but no food or drink before the operation is a must. Not even water. If you don’t follow this rule, the operation may be postponed in the interests of your safety.

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After the Operation.

Your anaesthetist will continue to monitor your condition carefully well after surgery is finished to ensure your recovery is as smooth and trouble free as possible.

Once awake, you will feel drowsy. You may have a sore throat, feel sick or headache. These will soon pass.

To help the recovery process, you will be given oxygen to breathe, encouraged to take deep breaths and to cough. Only when you’re fully awake and comfortable will you be transferred either back to your room, or waiting area before returning home.

Do not worry if there is some dizziness, blurred vision or short term memory loss. It usually passes quite quickly.

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Complications and risk factors.

Some, infrequent complications include: bruising, pain or some injury at the site of injections, temporary breathing difficulties, temporary nerve damage, muscle pains, asthmatic reactions, headaches, the possibility of sensation, damage to teeth and dental prostheses, lip and tongue injury, temporary difficulty specking and epileptic seizure.

There can also be some very rare, serious complications including heart attack, stroke, severe allergic or sensitivity reactions, brain damage, kidney or liver failure, lung damage, paraplegia or quadriplegia, permanent nerve or blood vessel damage, eye injury, damage to the larynx (voice box) and vocal cords, pneumonia and infection of the blood transfusion. Remember the possibility of serious complications including death is quite remote but does exist.

We urge you to ask questions. Your anaesthetist will be happy to answer them and to discuss the best way to work with you for the best possible outcome.

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Infections.

Needles, syringes and intravenous lines are all used only once. They are new in the packet before your surgery commences and they are disposed of immediately afterwards. Cross infection from one patient to another is thus eliminated.

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Blood Transfusion.

This is kept to a minimum but if you are likely to need blood, you may be able to donate your own well in advance of surgery. This can be stored and used when, and if, needed.

A blood collection today from donors is carefully screened and tested but a very small risk remains. Hence, unless absolutely necessary, blood transfusions are not given.

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Going Home.

The best part is that most people now go home much sooner after surgery.

If you are having day surgery, make sure there is someone to accompany you home and, for at least 24 hours, don’t drive a car, make important decisions, use any dangerous equipment or tools, sign any legal documents or drink alcohol.

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Your Role.

There are some things you can do which make your anaesthetic safer.

1. Get a little fitter- even a regular walk will work wonders.
2. Don’t smoke- ideally, give it away six weeks before surgery.
3. Drink less alcohol.
4. Continue to take any medications, which have been prescribed but remember to let your anaesthetist and surgeon know.

5. If you are taking aspirin, consult or anaesthetist about whether you should stop taking it two weeks prior to surgery.
6. If you are anxious and have questions make an appointment to see your anaesthetist before admission to hospital and get the answers you need.
7. If you have any kind of health problem tell your anaesthetist and surgeon so they are fully informed.

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What does it cost?

You should be aware that Medicare and Medical Fund rebates generally do not cover the entire costs of your anaesthesia. In other words, there will usually be a gap, which you will be expected to pay. If you have any questions about costs, please talk with your anaesthetist.

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