Southern DHB Anaesthesia - Otago

Public Service, Anaesthesia

Description

What is Anaesthesia?
You are given an anaesthetic when you have surgery so that you don’t feel pain during the operation. There are different types of anaesthesia and the type you receive will depend on the type of surgery you are having and how long it will take.
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.

Pre-operative Visit
The anaesthetist will visit the patient on the morning of surgery or the night before. It is their job to assess the patient's suitability for an anaesthetic. They will ask questions on the following:

general health
previous medical history
previous anaesthetics received
allergies
smoking habits
previous heart problems.

The ideal candidate for anaesthesia is within normal weight range, is well oxygenated, has a normal and regular heartbeat and is conscious.
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 prescribe a pre-med, which is a medication taken prior to surgery, designed to aid in relaxation and help keep the patient calm.

Care During Surgery
During the operation the anaesthetist's main roles are as follows:

to prevent pain - achieved by administration of pain relief agents appropriate for you and for the extent and duration of the operation
to monitor oxygenation - this means ensuring that all vital organs are being adequately supplied with oxygen. This is assessed by skin colour, heart rate and your level of consciousness
to monitor ventilation - assessed by the respiratory rate, volume of each breath and the inhaled and exhaled carbon dioxide concentrations. The anaesthetic gas and oxygen are delivered together either via a mask or breathing tube. If a mask is used the patient usually breathes on their own. If a tube is used the patient may breathe on their own or be mechanically ventilated using an artificial ventilator
to monitor circulation - during the operation, intravenous fluids and/or blood products are administered if necessary. Circulation is assessed by blood pressure, urine output and skin temperature.

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.

Consultants

Dr Lindsay Autio

Anaesthetist
Dr Sheila Barnett

Anaesthetist
Dr Estibaliz Blazquez Basarrate

Anaesthetist
Dr Robyn Chirnside

Anaesthetist
Dr James Clark

Anaesthetist
Dr Benjamin Gmelch

Anaesthetist
Dr Michael Hamilton

Anaesthetist
Dr Sarah Henderson

Anaesthetist
Dr Jason Henwood

Anaesthetist
Dr Charlotte Hill

Anaesthetist
Dr Justin Holborow

Anaesthetist
Dr Lisa Horrell

Anaesthetist
Dr Claire Ireland

Anaesthetist
Dr Matthew Jenks

Anaesthetist
Dr David Jones

Anaesthetist
Dr Joseph Koh

Anaesthetist
Dr David Koskuba

Anaesthetist
Dr Geoffrey Laney

Anaesthetist
Dr Jochen Maierl

Anaesthetist
Dr Gonzalo Millan Montoya

Anaesthetist
Dr Chen Ong

Anaesthetist
Dr Campion Read

Anaesthetist
Dr Ursula Reymann

Anaesthetist
Dr Priya Shanmuganathan

Anaesthetist
Dr Andrew Smith

Anaesthetist
Dr Everhardus Strauss

Anaesthetist
Dr Paul Templer

Anaesthetist
Dr Damon Thompson

Anaesthetist
Dr Julie Thompson

Anaesthetist
Dr Cara Thomson

Anaesthetist
Dr Maartje Tulp

Anaesthetist
Dr Pieter van Ammers

Anaesthetist
Dr Edwin van Broekhoven

Anaesthetist
Dr Christopher Walker

Anaesthetist
Dr Duncan Watts

Anaesthetist
Dr John Wilson

Anaesthetist
Dr Timothy Wright

Anaesthetist
Dr Patricia Yelavich

Anaesthetist

Procedures / Treatments

General Anaesthesia

You are put into a state of unconsciousness either by the injection of an anaesthetic medication into a vein or by breathing in a mixture of gases.… More
Local Anaesthesia

Following local anaesthesia, you are awake but the part of your body being operated on is numb. Local anaesthesia is administered via an injection; it takes effect quickly and lasts a long time. During the surgery you will be aware of touch and pressure, but not pain. If this type… More
Complications from Anaesthesia

Complications may include: the patient is allergic to the anaesthetic, the dose given may be too high, or the anaesthetic effect has taken effect faster than wanted.… More