Anaesthetist

An anaesthetist is a doctor who administers anaesthesia during operations and other medical procedures. They also monitor the patient's condition during and after surgery. Other names include anaesthesiologist and anaesthetist. Anaesthesia literally means 'making insensitive'.

What does an anaesthetist do?

The anaesthetist prevents the brain from receiving pain signals, so you do not feel pain. During an operation, they monitor vital functions such as the heart and lungs so they continue to work properly. This allows the surgeon to focus on the procedure. The anaesthetist intervenes when necessary and does more than simply ensure that the patient gets through an operation safely. An anaesthetist works closely with other doctors and surgeons.

Their duties include:

• Providing (local) anaesthesia or general anaesthesia during an operation or examination.
• Administering pain medication.
• Supporting bodily functions such as circulation and breathing.
• Assessing possible risks before an operation.
• Providing an epidural for pain-free childbirth.
• Monitoring patients in intensive care.
• Providing help in acute life-threatening situations such as cardiac arrest.
• Managing chronic pain.
• Placing pain pumps that provide continuous anaesthesia and can be operated by the patient.
• Placing catheters (tubes in a blood vessel) to administer medication over a longer period.

How do you see an anaesthetist?

You usually see an anaesthetist because you are being treated by another doctor. An anaesthetist is always present during an operation to provide local or general anaesthesia. If you have chronic pain and other therapies and medication are not enough, you may receive a referral from a GP or another medical specialist. The anaesthetist then manages your pain treatment.

What is an appointment like?

The operation is prepared during the appointment. The anaesthetist asks about underlying physical or psychological conditions that may affect anaesthesia or pain medication.
Further tests may be performed to assess your health, including:

• Physical examination.
• ECG.
• Lung function tests.
• Blood tests.
• Medical imaging (ultrasound, X-ray, MRI scan, CT scan).

Based on the results, the anaesthetist discusses the safest and most suitable anaesthesia or pain medication. Options include:

• General anaesthesia, in which you are completely unconscious and unaware of the procedure. It is given through an intravenous line or by inhaling anaesthetic gases. You receive a sedative, painkiller and muscle relaxant.
• Sedation, in which a smaller amount of anaesthetic is given. This makes you sleepy but not completely unconscious, and you do not feel anything.
• Local anaesthesia by injection, making only a small part of your body numb.
• An epidural, which numbs the lower half of the body.
• A combination of local and general anaesthesia to reduce pain after the procedure.
• Pain medication by tablet, intravenous line or injection.
• Other pain treatments such as nerve blocks and TENS.

How can you prepare for your first visit?

• Write down your symptoms, medication and physical or psychological conditions, as well as your questions.
• Bring someone with you. A lot of information is given, and two people hear and remember more than one.
• If you know which tests will be performed, choose your clothing accordingly where possible.