Phone (09) 430 4101 ext 7701 or 0800 000 032
Email anaesthetics@northlanddhb.org.nz
Phone (09) 430 4101 ext 7701 or 0800 000 032
Email anaesthetics@northlanddhb.org.nz
Your anaesthetic will be given to you by a specialist doctor called an anaesthetist.
Anaesthesia care falls into three parts: pre-operative visit, care during surgery and postoperative care in the recovery room.
Preoperative visit on the day of surgery
The anaesthetist and patient will meet on the day of surgery and occasionally before if you are already in hospital.
The anaesthetist will make the final anaesthetic plan with you. It is their job to assess your suitability for the various types of anaesthetic.
Both the nurses and doctor in the clinic ask about the following conditions, and the anaesthetist on the day of surgery may seek further information about any abnormal findings with you:
A physical examination of your heart and lungs will be carried out. Your neck will be checked for shape and your mouth for loose teeth or caps. These are checked because if a breathing tube is to be inserted, it can sometimes be difficult to insert depending on the shape of the neck and mouth and also to prevent damage to teeth in the process.
The anaesthetist may occasionally prescribe a pre-med, which is a medication taken prior to surgery, designed to aid in relaxation.
Care During Surgery
During the operation the anaesthetist's main roles are as follows:
Postoperative Care
When your operation is over, you will be taken to a special recovery area where your condition will be monitored as you wake up from the anaesthetic.
The anaesthetic team will work with specialised nurses in PACU to make you comfortable and stable to facilitate the recovery after surgery.
https://www.healthpoint.co.nz/public/anaesthesia/anaesthesia-te-tai-tokerau-northland-te-whatu/