Anesthesiology

The word anesthesia means ‘loss of sensation’.

It can involve a simple local anesthetic injection which numbs a small part of the body, such as a finger or around a tooth. It can also involve using powerful drugs which cause unconsciousness.

These drugs also affect the function of the heart, the lungs, and circulation. As a result, anesthesia is only given under the close supervision of an anesthesiologist, who is trained to consider the best way to give you an effective anesthetic but also to keep you safe and well.

The drugs used in anesthesia work by blocking the signals that pass along your nerves to your brain. When the drugs wear off, you start to feel normal sensation again.

Here at the American Hospital Dubai, we support all areas of the hospital, providing,

  1. Anesthesia for elective & emergency surgeries
  2. Specialist anesthesia for Pediatrics, Obstetrics, Cardiac & Thoracic surgeries
  3.  Sedation (adult & pediatric) for a wide range of procedures & investigations

Make an appointment to meet us so we can discuss with you the type of anesthetic that is suitable for your operation.

If you are having a planned operation, you will be invited to a preoperative assessment clinic a few weeks or days before your surgery, and meet one of our anaesthesiologists.

This is a good time to ask questions and discuss any worries you may have.

Please bring with you:

  1. A current prescription lists.
  2. Any information you have about tests & treatments at other hospitals
  3. information about any problems you or your family have had with anesthesia.
  4. You will be seen by a nurse, anesthesiologist & patient care co-ordinator.
  5. You will be asked questions about your health
  6. Blood tests, an ECG (heart tracing) & sometimes other tests may be requested, commonly we will arrange for that to happen on the day of your surgery.
  7. If you have any medical conditions, the staff in clinic will ask you about them, if they can be improved, you may be asked to see other specialists. Changes to your treatment may be necessary.  Occasionally your operation may be delayed until your health is improved.
  8. The anesthesiologist will discuss the type or types of anesthetic that are suitable for your operation, discuss the risks of anesthesia with you and agree with you plan for your anesthesia & pain control afterwards
  9. You will be given clear instructions about when to stop food & drink before your operation. it is important to follow this advice.  if there is food or liquid in your stomach during your anesthetic, it could come to the back of your throat & damage your lungs.
  10. You should also receive instructions about any medicines you take, & whether you should take them up to the day of surgery.

It is important to prepare well for the operation.  There are some things you can do to improve your health before surgery.

Smoking

If you smoke, you are strongly advised to stop.  The longer you can give up for, the betterIf you can stop smoking for a day or two before your operation, your blood cells are able to carry more oxygen around your bodyIf you can stop smoking for about six weeks before you come into hospital you are less likely to get a chest infection after the operation.

Alcohol

If you are used to drinking a lot of alcohol, it is helpful to reduce the amount that you drink.  Alcohol can reduce the function of your heart and it also causes mild dehydration.  Also, stopping the high alcohol intake suddenly when you come into hospital can cause serious health problems, so it is better to cut down.

Losing weight

If you are overweight, there is an increase in some of the risks of anesthetic and the operation.  Losing weight can reduce these risks.

Exercise

Regular exercise will increase your strength & fitness.  There is no need to push yourself - a regular walk at your own pace can boost your stamina.

Eating well

It can be an anxious time waiting for your operation.  However a good healthy diet in the days leading up to the operation is important for a faster recovery.

Doctors Panel of Anesthesiology

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