Anesthesiology

Anesthesia uses carefully controlled medications to prevent or reduce pain during surgery and certain medical procedures.

Anesthesia temporarily changes how the brain and nervous system process pain and awareness during the procedure. This will wear off as the medication leaves the body.

The type of anesthesia you receive will depend on factors such as:

• the type of procedure
• your medical history
• your age and overall health
• the expected level of pain or discomfort
• your individual risk factors

Anesthesia services are available at hospitals and surgical centres throughout NL Health Services.

Anesthesia helps keep you safe and comfortable during surgery and certain medical, diagnostic or treatment procedures.

Depending on your procedure and health needs, anesthesia care may include:

• preventing or reducing pain
• monitoring your breathing and other vital functions
• managing your airway and breathing
• managing pain during and after your procedure
• monitoring and supporting you before, during and after your procedure

Your anesthesia care will be planned based on your health, the procedure you are having and your individual needs.

You may receive anesthesia if you are having surgery or certain medical, diagnostic or treatment procedures.

Anesthesia is commonly used for:

• surgery
• childbirth
• certain diagnostic procedures
• some medical treatments

Your care team will determine whether you need anesthesia and which type is appropriate for you.

Preparing for anesthesia often begins before the day of your procedure.

You may be assessed at a pre-admission clinic. Your health-care team may review:

• your medical history
• medications you are taking
• allergies
• previous experiences with anesthesia
• your heart, lung and overall health

In some cases, you may also need an assessment by an anesthesiologist or another specialist, such as an internal medicine physician.

Your care team will provide instructions about how to prepare for your procedure.

Anesthesiologists are physicians who specialize in anesthesia care. They manage pain, monitor vital functions and help keep you safe before, during and after a procedure.

Anesthesiologists have expertise in areas such as:

• pain management
• critical care medicine
• airway and breathing support
• monitoring vital functions
• perioperative care, which is care before, during and after surgery
• specialized areas such as pediatric, cardiac, obstetric and regional anesthesia

Depending on your procedure and where you receive care, your operating room team may also include:

• surgeons (sometimes an assistant surgeon or surgical resident)
• anesthesia providers
• nurses
• operating room technicians
• medical residents and fellows
• medical and nursing student