Anesthesiology is the branch of medicine that deals with pain control and patient care before, during, and after surgery.
What does an anesthesiologist do?
An anesthesiologist is in charge of medical decisions associated with the choice and administration of anesthesia during surgical or non-surgical procedures. The specialist visits the patient beforehand and assesses the most suitable type of anesthesia, informs the patient about the characteristics and risks of the anesthesia to be administrated, and answers any questions the patient might have. The specialist is also involved in the management of postoperative pain, pulmonary resuscitation (CPR), transfusions, and assisted ventilation.
What diseases are treated by an anesthesiologist?
An anesthesiologist is involved in any type of surgical or non-surgical, such as colonoscopy and endoscopy, procedure which requires the administration of an anesthetic, and may therefore participate in the treatment of any type of disease or condition that requires an intervention of this type.
What are the procedures used by an anesthesiologist?
Before the operation the doctor gathers information on the patient's medical history including current and former diseases, allergies, surgeries, and any other medical information that is useful to understand the health state of the patient. During the time of the surgery the specialist may administer general, regional, epidural, and spinal anesthesia, or a sedative.
When should a patient visit the anesthesiologist?
A visit to an anesthesiologist is required every time a patient has to undergo a surgical or non-surgical procedure, which requires the administration of an anesthetic.
