Anaesthesia
What is Anaesthesia?
Anaesthesia is a medically induced temporary state that prevents patients from feeling pain during surgery or medical procedures. This controlled condition involves the administration of drugs (anaesthetics) that induce a reversible loss of sensation or awareness. The practice of anaesthesia is managed by highly trained medical specialists called anaesthesiologists or nurse anaesthetists who carefully monitor patients throughout procedures to ensure their safety and comfort. Modern anaesthesia has revolutionized healthcare by making complex surgical interventions possible while minimizing patient suffering. The development of safe, effective anaesthesia techniques stands as one of medicine’s greatest achievements, transforming what were once unbearably painful procedures into manageable medical experiences.
Types of Anaesthesia
Anaesthesia comes in several forms, each designed for specific medical scenarios:
General Anaesthesia General anaesthesia induces a controlled unconsciousness where patients are completely unaware and unable to feel pain during major surgical procedures. It typically involves:
- Administration through inhalation gases or intravenous medications
- Complete loss of consciousness
- Careful monitoring of vital signs including heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and breathing
- Management of the airway, often requiring intubation
- Gradual emergence as medications wear off after procedure completion
Regional Anaesthesia Regional anaesthesia numbs a specific region of the body while the patient remains conscious:
- Spinal anaesthesia: Medication injected into the fluid surrounding the spinal cord, numbing the lower body
- Epidural anaesthesia: Similar to spinal but involves placing a catheter for continuous medication delivery, commonly used during childbirth and certain abdominal procedures
- Nerve blocks: Targeting specific nerve pathways to numb particular areas, such as an arm or leg
Local Anaesthesia Local anaesthesia numbs only a small, specific area:
- Typically administered via injection or topical application
- Patient remains fully awake and alert
- Commonly used for minor procedures like dental work, skin biopsies, or suturing wounds
- Minimal side effects and quick recovery
Monitored Anaesthesia Care (MAC)/Conscious Sedation This involves administering sedatives to reduce anxiety and provide comfort while maintaining consciousness:
- Patients can respond to verbal commands
- Creates a “twilight state” where patients are relaxed but not completely unconscious
- Often used for minimally invasive procedures like colonoscopies, endoscopies, or minor orthopedic procedures
- Allows for faster recovery than general anaesthesia
The Anaesthesia Team at Our Hospital
Our hospital features a dedicated team of board-certified anaesthesiologists and certified registered nurse anaesthetists who bring extensive expertise to every procedure. Working closely with our surgical teams including our neurosurgical department, they ensure each patient receives individually tailored anaesthetic care using the latest techniques and monitoring systems. Patient safety remains our highest priority, with continuous quality improvement initiatives keeping our anaesthesia services at the forefront of modern practice.
The collaboration between our neurosurgical and anaesthesia departments represents a particular strength of our hospital, allowing us to offer specialized neuroanaesthesia for the most complex brain and spine procedures while maximizing both safety and successful outcomes.
Our Team of Experts
Dr.Syed Fazal Mahmood
Anaesthesia