Anaesthesia Q&A

 

Q: Is anaesthesia safe?

A: Statistics show that anaesthesia today is safer and more effective than ever before. Advancements in monitoring technology and anesthetic drugs, extensive specialty education and training, and high professional standards have made the administration of anaesthesia one of the safest aspects of a surgical procedure.
 

Q: Who administers anaesthesia?

A: In Australia, only a qualified anaesthetist can perform this for you and this is different from what you may read if you access information from American sites where in the majority of cases, anaesthesia is administered by a Certified Registered Nurse Anaesthetist . In Australia an anaesthetic nurse is present as an assistant to the anaesthetist.
 

Q: Will an anaesthetist nurse  stay with me throughout my surgery?

A: The nurse and/or the anaesthetist stays with you for the entire procedure, constantly monitoring every important function of your body and individually modifying your anesthetic to ensure your maximum safety and comfort.
 

Q: Are there different types of anaesthesia?

A: There are three basic types of anaesthesia: General anaesthesia produces a loss of sensation throughout the entire body; regional anaesthesia produces a loss of sensation in a specific region of the body; and local anaesthesia produces a loss of sensation in a small, specific area of the body.
 

Q: What determines which type of anaesthesia is best for me?

A: The anaesthesia chosen for you is based on factors such as your physical condition, the types of medication you are taking, the nature of the surgery and your reactions to medications.
 

Q: Do different types of patients require different types of anaesthesia?

A: Many factors go into determining the best anesthetic and administration technique for each person. Pregnant patients, children, older adults and patients with hereditary disorders such as diabetes or sickle cell anaemia all require special consideration. Even lifestyle choices such as tobacco and alcohol use can influence the anaesthesia selection process.

 

 

 

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