In most medical practices, surgery is often required as a last resort to saving a patient’s life after other noninvasive treatments have failed. The first thing a surgeon does before performing surgery is send a patient to a Hyattsville anesthesiology specialist. By now, you may be wondering what anesthesiologists do. Fortunately, the CHOICE Pain & Rehabilitation Center team is ready to help you understand everything about the subspecialty.
What do anesthesiologists do?
1. They are your first point of contact before your surgery
After your doctor refers you to a surgeon, your first point of contact is a physician anesthesiologist. Their role is to examine your health to determine if you are medically fit for anesthesia. Apart from assessing your heart, they will also check your lungs if they will keep working while unconscious during your surgery. An anesthesiologist is also the one person who will care for you as you recover.
2. They are go-to experts when you are in labor or having a minor surgery
If you have minor or caesarian surgery, an anesthesiologist is the only person who will care for you. They stay with you in case you want to be conscious during your surgery. If you have sustained a severe injury or have chronic pain, they are your go-to person for pain management.
What to expect when seeing an anesthesiologist
a. Before your surgery
As a patient scheduled to undergo surgery, the last thing you need is enduring pain and staying awake throughout the procedure. That is where anesthesiologists come in handy. Before your surgery, your doctor will answer your questions to help you understand the benefits and risks that come with surgery. Be sure to inform your doctor about any chronic conditions you may be battling, such as asthma, heart disease, or diabetes. Your doctor may also want to know if you are taking medications that may slow down your recovery after your surgery.
b. During your surgery
During your surgery, an anesthesiologist will administer pain management measures to keep your pain under control. They will also keep checking if your vital body organs are working throughout the procedure. In a case where you develop cardiac arrest, an anesthesiologist will manage it.
c. Post-surgery
After your surgery, an anesthesiologist will work with nurses and physicians to monitor your recovery. Together, they will check if you are breathing normally, are fully awake, and have any other emergency issues. The bottom line is an anesthesiologist is the only person who can decide if the effects of anesthesia are completely gone. After that, they can decide if you are ready to be discharged or moved to another room for special observation.
Are you ready for your surgery?
Now that your doctor has decided that you need surgery to treat your condition, it is important to know who your anesthesiologist is in person. That way, you will know what to expect before, during, and after your surgery. To learn more about anesthesiology services, schedule an online appointment with your doctor today.
