Anaesthetist

An anaesthetist is a doctor who administers local and general anaesthesia during operations and other medical procedures. They also monitor the patient's condition during and after the operation. Other names are anaesthesiologist or anaesthetist. Anaesthesia literally means 'making numb'.

What does an anaesthetist do?

The anaesthetist prevents the brain from receiving pain signals, so you do not feel pain. During an operation, they monitor vital functions such as the heart and lungs. This allows the surgeon to concentrate on the procedure. The anaesthetist intervenes when necessary, but does more than simply ensure that the patient gets through an operation without problems. Anaesthetists work closely with other doctors and surgeons.

Duties include:

• Administering (local) anaesthesia or general anaesthesia during an operation or examination.
• Administering pain relief.
• Supporting bodily functions such as circulation and breathing.
• Assessing possible risks before an operation.
• Giving an epidural for pain-free childbirth.
• Monitoring patients in intensive care.
• Providing emergency assistance in life-threatening situations such as cardiac arrest.
• Treating chronic pain.
• Inserting pain pumps that provide continuous anaesthesia and can be controlled by the patient.
• Inserting catheters (a tube in a blood vessel) to administer medication over a longer period.

How do you see an anaesthetist?

You usually see an anaesthetist because you are being treated by another doctor. An anaesthetist is present during every operation to provide local or general anaesthesia. If you have chronic pain and other therapies or medication are not effective enough, you may receive a referral from a GP or another medical specialist. The anaesthetist then manages your pain treatment.

What is an appointment with an anaesthetist like?

The operation is prepared during the appointment. The anaesthetist asks about issues that need to be considered, such as underlying physical or psychological conditions that may affect anaesthesia or pain medication.
They may perform further tests to assess your health, including:

• Physical examination.
• ECG.
• Lung function test.
• Blood test.
• Imaging (ultrasound, X-ray, MRI scan, CT scan).

Based on the results, the anaesthetist discusses the safest and most suitable form of anaesthesia or pain relief. Options include:

• General anaesthesia, during which you are fully unconscious and unaware of the procedure. It is given through an intravenous line or by inhaling anaesthetic gases. You receive a sleeping medicine, painkiller and muscle relaxant.
• Sedation (calming), in which a smaller amount of anaesthetic is given. This makes you drowsy; you are not fully unconscious but do not feel anything.
• Local anaesthesia by injection, making only a small area of the body numb.
• An epidural, which numbs the lower half of the body.
• A combination of local and general anaesthesia to reduce pain after the procedure.
• Pain medication given as a tablet, infusion or injection.
• Other pain treatments such as nerve blocks and TENS.

How can you prepare for your first visit to an anaesthetist?

• Write down your symptoms, medication and any physical or psychological conditions, as well as your questions.
• Bring someone with you. A lot of information is provided, and two people hear and remember more than one.
• If you know which tests will be performed, consider this when choosing your clothing.