Anaesthesiologist

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

What does an anaesthesiologist do?

The anaesthesiologist ensures that your brain no longer receives pain signals, so you do not feel pain. During an operation, they monitor whether vital functions, such as those of the heart and lungs, continue to work properly. This allows the surgeon to focus on the procedure. The anaesthesiologist intervenes when necessary and works closely with other doctors and surgeons.

The duties of an anaesthesiologist include:

• Administering 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.
• Administering an epidural for pain-free childbirth.
• Monitoring patients in the intensive care unit.
• Providing assistance in acute life-threatening situations such as cardiac arrest.
• Managing chronic pain.
• Inserting pain pumps that provide continuous anaesthesia and can be operated by the patient.
• Inserting catheters (small tubes in a blood vessel) to administer medication over a prolonged period.

How do you see an anaesthesiologist?

You usually see an anaesthesiologist because you are being treated by another doctor. An anaesthesiologist is present during an operation to administer local or general anaesthesia. If you have chronic pain and other therapies or medications are not effective enough, you may receive a referral from a family doctor or another medical specialist. The anaesthesiologist then takes responsibility for pain treatment.

What is an appointment with an anaesthesiologist like?

The operation is prepared during the appointment. Are there any factors to consider, such as underlying physical or psychological conditions that could affect anaesthesia or pain medication?
To assess your health properly, the anaesthesiologist may perform additional tests, including:

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

Based on these results, the anaesthesiologist discusses the safest and most suitable type of anaesthesia or pain medication. Options include:

• General anaesthesia, in which you are completely unconscious and do not experience the procedure. It is administered through an intravenous line or by inhaling anaesthetic gases. During general anaesthesia, you receive a sedative, painkiller and muscle relaxant.
• Sedation, in which a smaller amount of anaesthetic is administered. This makes you sleepy. You are not completely unconscious, but do not feel anything.
• Local anaesthesia by injection, which numbs only a small part of your body.
• An epidural, which numbs the lower half of your 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 to an anaesthesiologist?

• Write down your symptoms, medications and physical or psychological conditions beforehand. This helps you remember everything during the first visit. Also write down any questions you want to ask.
• Bring someone with you. A lot of information is provided during an appointment, and two people hear and remember more than one.
• If you know which tests will be performed, consider this when choosing your clothing, where possible.