Anaesthesia is a state of induced unconsciousness for the purpose of performing surgery. It is a complicated process, involving airway management, control of vital body functions such as breathing and blood pressure, pain management, maintenance of body temperature, pressure area care and patient positioning, all while facilitating the surgical procedure. The practice of anaesthesia requires a combination of clinical interventions by an anaesthetist that allows the patient to have their procedure undertaken with minimal discomfort and stress. It is the anaesthetist’s role to asses you or your child and their health in the context of the procedure to determine the best strategy to ensure their comfort and safety before, during and after their procedure. The anaesthetist stays with the patient throughout the entire procedure, administering medication and managing consciousness, comfort, breathing and heart function to ensure the safest and most comfortable outcome possible.
