Anesthesia

Each of our anesthesiologists is a medical doctor (MD or DO), who is a trained specialist for administering a wide range of anesthetics and anesthesia services. Some also have additional specialized training in pediatric anesthesia, neuro-anesthesia and cardiovascular anesthesia. Our anesthesiologoists may work alone, or may work with a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA).

The goals of the anesthesiology team are to:

• Treat each patient with dignity and respect
• Ensure patient safety, comfort and privacy
• Make the surgical experience as pleasant as possible; with as little discomfort as possible

Your surgeon, anesthesiologist and the entire surgical staff recognize the anxiety with which most patients approach surgery. We believe a description of the type of anesthesia helps patients to prepare for it.

The anesthesiologist will discuss and design an anesthetic plan which has your best interest in mind. Pain control is discussed pre-operatively and is incorporated into the anesthetic plan to give you the greatest degree of comfort throughout your surgery.

Types of anesthesia:

• General - puts you to sleep throughout the surgery. General anesthesia is usually begun with an intravenous medication, which puts you to sleep almost immediately. Anesthesia is then maintained with either a mask or a small tube placed through your mouth and into your windpipe to help you breathe. During the entire operation, the anesthesia provider watches all your vital functions, such as blood pressure, pulse, respiration and heartbeat.
• Local and regional- numb only part of your body and are usually accompanied by some light sedation for your comfort.  Usually given in many different ways. Ask the anesthesiologist, your physician or your nurse to explain the various methods, which may be used.

Many operations require a general anesthetic, while others can be performed with a regional block.

Pain Management

Pain management is important for your physical and mental well-being. We at Gottlieb get involved in educating and planning a well thought out anesthetic to provide utmost comfort. Many of these pain controlling techniques include epidural, regional block and/or patient controlled analgesia (PCA) devices. In addition, many of our anesthesiologists are not only board certified, but have additional subspecialty training in anesthesia pain control. You can be assured that your anesthesia care team will provide you a safe, comfortable anesthetic specifically tailored to your needs.