ABOUT ANESTHESIA
Anesthesia is a medical treatment that prevents patients from feeling pain during surgery. This enables patients to have procedures that lead to healthier and longer lives.
To produce anesthesia, doctors use drugs called anesthetics. Scientists have developed a collection of anesthetic drugs with different effects. These are known as general, regional and local anesthetics. General anesthetics put patients to sleep during the procedure. Local and regional anesthetics just numb part of the body and allow patients to remain awake during the procedure.
Depending on the type of pain relief needed, doctors deliver anesthetics by injection, inhalation, topical lotion, spray, eye drops or skin patches.
WHAT DO ANESTHESIOLOGISTS DO?
Anesthesiologists are doctors who carefully monitor patients throughout surgery and during recovery. They use advanced diagnostic systems that constantly display patients’ blood pressure, blood oxygen levels, heart function, and breathing patterns. These devices greatly increase the safe use of general anesthesia. They also make it possible to operate on many patients who previously were considered too sick to have surgery.
Anesthesiologists also provide pain relief for less invasive procedures, such as those used to examine blood vessels and internal organs (endoscopy) and during labor and delivery.
Experts in pain management, anesthesiologists advise patients and their doctors on how to manage pain.
OUR TEAM
The Anesthesia department at NEOM Hospital has excellent well trained and highly qualified anesthesiologists who provide additional support in delivering babies, pain management, and helping with emergency cases and life saving situations.
PRE-ANESTHESIA CLINIC
Once your surgery is scheduled, a nurse will call you to determine if you need a pre-anesthesia testing appointment, which will help ensure you are medically ready on the day of surgery. Depending on your medical condition and procedure, your nurse may conduct the appointment via phone or in person.
AT THE PRE-ANESTHESIA TESTING APPOINTMENT, YOU CAN EXPECT TO
Meet with a registered nurse (RN)
Discuss any concerns with an anesthesiologist
Provide a list of all medications you use, including prescription, nonprescription, and over-the-counter medications and supplements. (Include any dietary supplements you take regularly, such as vitamins, herbals, and other products)
Provide a list of names and phone numbers for your primary care doctor and any specialists you routinely visit
Provide a list of allergies to medication and/or food
Complete any required diagnostic tests (blood tests, urine tests, X-rays, etc.)
DURING THIS APPOINTMENT, THE ANESTHESIA TEAM WILL ALSO
Ask about chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma, or high blood pressure
Discuss the risks and benefits of the type of anesthesia needed for your surgery
Answer any questions or concerns you have
DIETARY INSTRUCTIONS
To keep you safe, there are special guidelines about when to stop eating and drinking. Your care team will advise you on when to stop eating or drinking before a procedure to ensure your safety and prevent nausea.
Please note that some surgeries may require you to fast. Be sure to follow the instructions from your surgeon or anesthesia team.
In general, you should refrain from eating solid foods within eight hours of your scheduled arrival time.
If you are taking medications, check with your doctor or the preoperative nurse to see whether you need to take anything on the day of surgery. You may be instructed to change your medication schedule or STOP taking certain medications, depending on your procedure and medical history.