Few people seem to know what an anesthesiologist does, and perhaps for a good reason. The doctor’s role is multifaceted and physically demanding, making it difficult for their work to be understood by those outside the field. The anesthesiologist and pain management physician in Ionia, MI, can help you in pain management.
Who is an Anesthesiologist?
- While the name “anesthesia” suggests that anesthesiologists are only responsible for administering anesthesia, they are doctors who specialize in pain management.
- An anesthesiologist is a surgical specialist who, as the name implies, has a particular interest in anesthesia. Anesthesia is the loss of consciousness during surgery. To be successful, surgery must be carried out without any pain during treatment. In addition, anesthesiologists need to monitor patients’ blood oxygen levels at all times, always ensuring that they remain under sedation for their surgery or medical treatment and not become distressed. Anesthesiologists will often inject a local anesthetic drug into a patient’s spine before surgery to numb them from the waist down.
- They ensure that the patients receive safe and effective pain management during their operations or other medical treatments. Each day, these doctors perform procedures that range from minor to major reconstructive surgery and routine dental procedures such as tooth extractions or fillings.
When do you see an anesthesiologist?
Although some anesthesiologists work in operating rooms, most work in a facility specially designed to treat patients under anesthesia. Usually, a doctor will refer a patient to a surgeon or dentist who then requests an anesthesiologist’s services on the day of the surgery or procedure. Alternatively, some people may decide to visit their doctor for minor surgery such as wisdom teeth once they learn from their dentist that sedation is required.
Anesthesiologist’s job is also usually on call 24 hours a day. In case of any sudden medical crisis that requires immediate surgery, they will be called to the hospital by the staff to be available for emergency treatment.
What treatments does an anesthesiologist perform?
Anesthesiologists perform a wide variety of procedures that use anesthesia. These include:
The job of an anesthesiologist also involves the prevention and treatment of medical complications which may arise during these surgical procedures. This includes controlling bleeding, treating infections, controlling pain, and preventing blood pressure from falling too low or rising too high after surgery or treatment. While some complications are expected following any operation or medical treatment, the anesthesiologist’s job is to reduce the risks associated with these actions to prevent further patient injury.
Anesthesiologists do not perform surgery; they assist in surgeries by administering anesthesia while monitoring their patients’ condition.