Anesthesia makes it possible to undergo surgical procedures without experiencing any pain or discomfort. This greatly improves patient care, as you can rest peacefully as your doctor performs an important surgery to treat illness or injury.
While safe and effective for the most part, anesthesia can cause serious side effects and complications if not administered correctly. This is the reason why safety standards are so important, as explained by the American Society of Anesthesiologists.
Qualified personnel must be present during the procedure at all times
Circumstances can change quickly during a surgery. That is why the anesthesiologists must remain in the operating room for the duration of the procedure. This allows medical staff to monitor the patients vital signs to ensure they are not experiencing ill-effects. It can also allow the anesthesiologist adjust the dose if needed.
Vital signs and bodily functions require frequent monitoring during procedures
Along with preventing the brain from receiving pain signals, anesthesia also has an impact on all bodily functions. Evaluation of oxygenation entails monitoring blood oxygen levels, while ventilation ensures the patient is breathing properly with the help of a special device.
Evaluation of circulation involves use of electrocardiogram, in addition to staff assessing blood pressure and heart rate every five minutes. Because anesthesia affects body temperature, it also requires frequent monitoring. Some fluctuations are normal during surgical procedures, while others are not. The anesthesiologist will keep tabs on both events to preserve a patient’s health and safety.
All surgical procedures entail some level of risk. And while anesthesia is widely used for innumerable surgeries, mistakes still can and do happen. That is why your doctors and other medical staff must take every precaution to keep you safe and secure while you are receiving treatment.