Dr. Solanke Andrew Olusegun
Topic: Anesthesiology

Nature of the work
• An anesthesiologist is trained to provide pain
relief and maintenance or restoration of a stable
condition during and immediately following an
operation or an obstetric or diagnostic
procedure. The anesthesiologist assesses the risk
of the patient undergoing surgery and optimizes
the patient's condition prior to, during, and after
surgery.

What is anesthesia?
• Anesthesia is a way to control pain during a
surgery or procedure by using medicine
called anesthetics. It can help control your
breathing,blood pressure, blood flow,
and heart rate and rhythm.

Anesthesia may be used to:
• Relax you.
• Block pain.
• Make you sleepy or forgetful.
• Make you unconscious for your surgery.
Other medicines may be used along with
anesthesia, such as ones to help you relax or to
reverse the effects of anesthesia.

What are the types of anesthesia?
Local, Regional and General anesthesia:
• Local anesthesia numbs a small part of the
body for minor procedures. For example, you
may get a shot of medicine directly into the
surgical area to block pain. You may stay
awake during the procedure.

• Regional anesthesia blocks pain to a larger part of
your body. You may also get medicine to help you
relax or sleep. Types of regional anesthesia include:
Peripheral nerve blocks. This is a shot of
anesthetic to block pain around a specific nerve
or group of nerves. Blocks are often used for
procedures on the hands, arms, feet, legs, or face.
Epidural and spinal anesthesia. This is a shot of
anesthetic near the spinal cord and the nerves
that connect to it. It blocks pain from an entire
region of the body, such as the belly, hips, or legs.

• General anesthesia affects your brain and the
rest of your body. You may get anesthesia
through a vein (intravenously, or IV), or you
may breathe it in. With this kind, you're
unaware and don't feel pain during the
surgery. You may also forget the surgery and
the time right after it.

What determines the type of anesthesia used?
The type of anesthesia used depends on several things:
• Your past and current health. This includes other
surgeries you have had and the health problems you have,
such as heart disease or diabetes. Tell your doctor if you or
any family members have had an allergic reaction to
anesthetics or other medicines.
• The type of surgery. For example, you may need general
anesthesia to ensure your comfort and safety during
certain types of surgery.
• The results of tests, such as blood tests or
an electrocardiogram (EKG, ECG).
Your doctor or nurse may prefer one type of anesthesia over
another for your surgery. In some cases, your doctor or nurse
may let you choose which type to have. Sometimes, such as
in an emergency, you don't get to choose.

What are the risks and complications of
anesthesia?
Major side effects and other problems of anesthesia aren't
common, especially in people who are in good health. But
all anesthesia has some risk. For example, high doses of
local and regional anesthetic can go into the rest of the
body and affect your breathing, heartbeat, or blood
pressure. Some people get headaches after spinal
anesthesia.

What are the risks and complications of
anesthesia?
Your specific risks depend on the type of anesthesia
you get, your age, your health, and how you
respond to the medicines used. Some health
problems, such as heart or lung disease, increase
your chances of problems from anesthesia. Taking
certain medicines, smoking, drinking alcohol, and
using illegal drugs can also increase your chance of
problems. Your doctor or nurse will talk with you
about the best type for you and will review risks,
benefits, and other choices.

How can you prepare for anesthesia?
Your surgeon may let you know what to do the night Before
and the day of the procedure. Here are some tips to help
you prepare:
Know when to stop eating and drinking: Your doctor
will tell you when to stop eating and drinking before
your surgery. If you take any medicines regularly, ask
your doctor or nurse if you should take your medicines
on the day before or the day of your surgery.
Try to stay calm: Many people are nervous before they
have anesthesia and surgery. Mental relaxation
methods, such as guided imagery or meditation, can
help you relax. And some medicines can help you relax.
Plan ahead for going home: Ask a friend or a family
member to drive you home. Don't plan to drive
yourself.

What happens while you're under anesthesia and when you
recover?
Before and during surgery, an anesthesiologist or a nurse
anesthetist will take charge of your comfort and safety. He or she
will give you the anesthesia and closely monitor you. This means he
or she will check your blood pressure, breathing, heart rate, and
other vital body functions throughout the surgery. During surgery,
the anesthesia specialist also will continue to give anesthesia to keep
you free of pain. When the procedure is complete, you will stop
getting the medicine. How quickly the anesthesia wears off depends
on the anesthetics and other medicines used and on your response
to the medicines. After surgery, you will be taken to the recovery
room. A nurse will check your vital signs and any bandages and ask
about how much pain you have. If you are in pain, don't be afraid to
say so.

Some effects of anesthesia may last for many
hours after surgery.
You may have some numbness or less feeling in
part of your body if you had local or regional
anesthesia.
Your muscle control and coordination may be
affected.
You may have nausea and vomiting. Most of the
time, this can be treated and doesn't last long.
You may feel cold and may shiver when you first
wake up.

For minor surgeries, you may go home the
same day. If surgery is more complicated, you
may have to move to a hospital room to
continue your recovery. If you stay in the
hospital, your doctor or nurse will visit you to
check on your recovery and answer any
questions you have.