Anaesthetist

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

What does an anaesthetist do?

The anaesthetist ensures that your brain no longer receives pain signals, so that you do not feel pain. During an operation, they monitor whether the vital functions, such as those of the heart and lungs, continue to work properly. This allows the surgeon to concentrate on the procedure. The anaesthetist intervenes when necessary. However, they do more than simply ensure that the patient gets through an operation without problems. An anaesthetist works closely with other doctors and surgeons.

The duties of an anaesthetist include:

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

How do you see an anaesthetist?

You usually see an anaesthetist because you are being treated by another doctor. An anaesthetist is always present during an operation to administer local or general anaesthesia. If you have chronic pain and other therapies and medication are not sufficient, you can receive a referral from a GP or another medical specialist. The anaesthetist will then take responsibility for your pain treatment.

What is an appointment with an anaesthetist like?

During an appointment with the anaesthetist, the operation is prepared. Are there particular factors to consider, such as underlying physical or mental health conditions that could affect the anaesthetic or pain medication?
To assess your state of health properly, the anaesthetist may carry out further tests, including:

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

Based on these results, the anaesthetist discusses which type of anaesthesia or pain medication is safest and most suitable. The options include:

• General anaesthesia, in which you are completely unconscious and do not experience anything of the procedure. This is given through an intravenous line or by inhaling anaesthetic gases. During general anaesthesia, you are given a sleeping medicine, painkiller and muscle relaxant.
• Sedation, in which the anaesthetist administers a smaller amount of anaesthetic. This makes you drowsy. You are not completely unconscious, but you do not feel anything.
• Local anaesthesia by injection, making only a small part of your body numb.
• An epidural, which anaesthetises the lower half of the body.
• A combination of local and general anaesthesia to reduce pain after the procedure.
• Administering pain medication by tablet, intravenous 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 in advance what complaints you have, which medication you use and whether you have any physical or mental health conditions. This will ensure that you do not forget to mention anything during your first visit. Also write down any questions you would like to ask.
• Bring someone with you to the appointment. A lot of information is given during a visit to the anaesthetist. Two people hear and remember more than one.
• If you already know which tests will be carried out, take this into account when choosing your clothing, if possible.