Anaesthesia & Pain Management

Anaesthesiology is a vital branch of medicine that ensures the safe usage of medical drugs to make patients partially or totally unresponsive during surgical procedures. This practice allows surgeries to be carried out efficiently and without causing any trouble to the patient. At SSB Heart and Multispecialty Hospital, our Department of Anaesthesiology excels in delivering top-tier anaesthetic care with a focus on patient safety and comfort.

The role of an anaesthetist extends far beyond the operating room. Our expert anaesthetists at SSB Heart and Multispecialty Hospital conduct thorough pre-operative assessments of patients. This crucial step allows anaesthesiologists to devise the safest anaesthesia plan tailored to each person. By understanding every patient’s unique needs and conditions, we ensure optimal pain management and overall care throughout the surgical experience.

The Department of Anaesthesiology at SSB Heart and Multispecialty Hospital employs the most advanced and patient-focused techniques in anaesthetic care. Our highly skilled team of anaesthetists provides specialised care across all surgical specialities, including cardiothoracic surgery, neurosurgery, orthopaedics, obstetrics and gynaecology, general surgical procedures, ENT, plastic surgery, and more. Our team is available round the clock to handle emergencies, ensuring continuous support and care for our patients.

At SSB Heart and Multispecialty Hospital, we utilise four main types of anaesthesia techniques, chosen based on the specific procedure and the patient’s condition. These techniques provide effective pain management and ensure a smooth surgical experience. The four types of anaesthesia include:

• Local Anesthesia: This technique numbs a small area of the body, allowing the patient to remain alert during the procedure. It is commonly used for minor surgeries and outpatient procedures.
• Intravenous (IV) Sedation: IV sedation involves administering a mild sedative to relax the patient and relieve pain. The patient stays conscious during the procedure but may not remember it afterwards. This method is ideal for procedures that require the patient to be calm and comfortable.
• Regional Anesthesia: Regional anaesthesia numbs a specific area or part of the body, such as a leg, stomach, or arm. It is often used during childbirth or minor surgical procedures. This technique provides targeted pain relief while allowing the patient to remain awake.
• General Anesthesia: General anaesthesia is administered to make the patient completely unconscious during the procedure. The patient feels nothing and remains unaware of the surgery. This method is used for major surgeries and procedures that require complete immobility.

Effective pain management is a cornerstone of the anaesthetic care provided at SSB Heart and Multispecialty Hospital. Our anaesthetists are dedicated to ensuring that patients experience minimal discomfort before, during, and after surgery. Through meticulous planning and the use of advanced anaesthetic techniques, we prioritise patient comfort and safety at every stage of the surgical process.

At SSB Heart and Multispecialty Hospital, the Department of Anaesthesiology stands out for its commitment to using the safest, most advanced, and patient-focused methods in anaesthetic care. Whether it’s a minor procedure or a complex surgery, our team of expert anaesthetists is equipped to provide noteworthy care and effective pain management, ensuring the best possible outcomes for our patients.

What is the role of the anaesthesia and pain management department in a hospital?

The role of the Anaesthesia and Pain Management Department in a hospital is multifaceted, encompassing various aspects of patient care related to surgery, pain relief, and critical care. Here are the primary functions:

• Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Anaesthetists conduct thorough pre-operative evaluations to assess the patient’s medical history, current health status, and specific needs. This assessment helps in planning the safest and most effective anaesthesia strategy tailored to each patient. The goal is to minimise risks and ensure the patient’s readiness for surgery.
• Intraoperative Care: During surgery, anaesthetists administer anaesthesia to make the patient either completely unconscious (general anaesthesia) or to numb specific areas of the body (regional or local anaesthesia). They monitor vital signs, manage the patient’s airway, and adjust anaesthetic levels as needed to ensure stability and comfort throughout the procedure.
• Post-operative Pain Management: After surgery, the Anaesthesia and Pain Management Department is responsible for controlling and alleviating pain. This involves using medications and techniques like epidural analgesia, nerve blocks, and intravenous pain relievers to manage acute post-operative pain, thus aiding in faster recovery and improving patient comfort.
• Critical Care and Emergency Response: Anaesthetists often play a crucial role in critical care units, where they manage patients requiring intensive monitoring and life support. They are also essential in emergencies, providing rapid anaesthetic and pain management interventions to stabilise patients.
• Chronic Pain Management: Beyond surgical pain, the department also addresses chronic pain conditions. This includes developing long-term pain management plans for patients with conditions such as arthritis, back pain, and neuropathic pain. The focus is on improving quality of life through various interventions, including medications, physical therapy, and advanced pain relief techniques.
• Education and Research: The Anaesthesia and Pain Management Department is often involved in training medical students, residents, and other healthcare experts. They also engage in research to advance the field of anaesthesiology and pain management, developing new techniques and improving existing practices.

FAQs

How is the type of anaesthesia determined for a procedure?

The type of anaesthesia is determined based on several factors, including the type of surgery, the patient’s medical history, current health status, and any allergies or reactions to medications. The anesthesiologist will discuss the best option with the patient during the pre-operative assessment.

What are the risks linked with anaesthesia?

While anaesthesia is generally safe, it does carry some risks, which can include:

• Allergic reactions to anaesthetic drugs
• Breathing problems
• Changes in blood pressure or heart rate
• Nausea and vomiting Sore throat (from the breathing tube used during general anaesthesia) Severe problems are rare but can include heart attack, stroke, or death.

How long does it take to recover from anaesthesia?

Recovery time varies depending on the type of anaesthesia used and the person’s health. For general anaesthesia, patients may feel groggy and disoriented for several hours after the procedure. It can take 24-48 hours for the effects to fully wear off. Local and regional anaesthesia typically have shorter recovery times.

Will I feel any pain during the procedure?

The goal of anaesthesia is to prevent pain during surgery. With general anaesthesia, you will be completely unconscious and feel nothing. Regional and local anaesthesia block pain in specific areas, and you should not feel pain in the numbed region. IV sedation helps reduce discomfort and anxiety, and you may not remember the procedure.

What should I do to prepare for anaesthesia?

Your anesthesiologist will give specific instructions, but general guidelines include:

• Fasting: Do not eat or drink for a specified period before the procedure.
• Medication: Inform your doctor about all medications and supplements you are taking; you may need to stop certain medications.
• Medical History: Provide a complete medical history, including allergies, previous reactions to anaesthesia, and chronic health conditions.
• Smoking: Avoid smoking before surgery, as it can affect recovery and anaesthetic risks.

How is pain managed after surgery?

Post-operative pain management can include:

• Medications: Pain relievers such as opioids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and acetaminophen.
• Epidural Analgesia: Continuous pain relief via an epidural catheter.
• Nerve Blocks: Local anaesthetics are injected near nerves to block pain
• Non-Pharmacological Methods: Ice packs, physical therapy, and relaxation techniques.