Anaesthesiology
Anaesthesia & intensive care
Anaesthesia before surgery and resuscitation support in critical conditions.
One coordinated approach to assessment, continuous monitoring and recovery
Before an operation or procedure, the anaesthetist reviews general health, previous anaesthetic experience, allergies, all medicines and supplements, and the planned intervention. The appropriate technique, what to expect and individual risks are discussed so the patient can ask questions and give informed consent.
During the procedure, breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen and other indicated measurements are monitored. Afterwards, staff assess alertness, breathing, pain and nausea in recovery; fasting and medicine instructions must come from the treating team.
What must the anaesthetist know?
- All regular and occasional medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements
- Allergies to medicines, latex, antiseptics or other substances
- Difficult waking, severe nausea or another problem with previous anaesthesia
- Heart, lung, kidney or liver conditions, diabetes or a bleeding disorder
- Dentures, loose teeth, sleep apnoea or known airway concerns
- Any occasion when food, drink or medicine instructions were not followed
How is anaesthetic care organised?
01 • Preoperative assessment
Health history, test results, medicines, allergies and the planned procedure are reviewed.
02 • Anaesthesia and monitoring
The agreed technique is delivered and vital measurements are monitored throughout the procedure.
03 • Recovery observation
Alertness, breathing, pain and nausea are assessed before the next safe stage of care.
Report these signs immediately after a procedure
Tell the nearest healthcare professional or call emergency services immediately for severe breathlessness, strong chest pain, fainting, swelling of the face or throat, uncontrolled bleeding, sudden weakness or confusion.
Only follow the anaesthetist’s and treating team’s specific instructions on when to stop eating or drinking and which medicines to take or adjust. Do not stop medicines on your own.