Anesthesiology in Kyiv

Anesthesiology is a branch of medicine that specializes in pain relief during surgical interventions and medical procedures. An anesthesiologist assesses the patient's health condition, selects the optimal type of anesthesia, and ensures its administration. During surgery, the anesthesiologist monitors breathing, heart function, and other vital signs, and after its completion, observes the patient's recovery.

At the Oxford Medical medical center, anesthesiologists with more than 10 and 20 years of experience work in accordance with modern clinical protocols. High-quality medications from official distributors and expert-class equipment are used to administer anesthesia.

Anesthesia is used during surgical interventions and minimally invasive procedures.

The main indications for the use of anesthesia:

• planned surgical operations — interventions on abdominal organs, mammary glands, blood vessels, gynecological operations, and other planned interventions;
• urgent operations — emergency interventions for acute surgical diseases, injuries, and conditions requiring urgent care;
• minimally invasive and diagnostic procedures — endoscopic examinations and therapeutic manipulations during which anesthesia or sedation is necessary;
• minor surgical interventions — removal of skin neoplasms, surgical treatment of wounds, application of sutures.

The need for anesthesia and its type are determined taking into account the characteristics of the intervention, the patient's condition, and the required extent of pain relief. For example, a minor skin operation can usually be performed under local anesthesia, while complex interventions on abdominal organs are predominantly performed under general anesthesia.

Some diseases may increase the risk of complications during anesthesia. Therefore, before the operation, the doctor assesses the patient's condition and determines whether the planned anesthesia can be administered without additional examinations or correction of the condition.

The main contraindications and limitations:

• severe disorders of heart and lung function — pronounced heart or respiratory failure, unstable heart rhythm disorders may be a reason to postpone a planned operation until the patient's condition stabilizes;
• severe reactions to anesthesia in the past — previous anaphylaxis to certain medications or a hereditary predisposition to malignant hyperthermia require special selection of medications for anesthesia;
• acute infectious diseases — respiratory tract infections with high fever and pronounced symptoms may increase the risk of complications, so a planned intervention is sometimes postponed until recovery;
• blood clotting disorders — an increased tendency to bleed, particularly while taking anticoagulants, may be a contraindication to spinal or epidural anesthesia;
• infection at the site of anesthetic administration — regional nerve blocks and local anesthesia are not performed to prevent the spread of infection.

The listed conditions do not always exclude the possibility of administering anesthesia. For planned operations, the doctor may recommend stabilizing the patient's health condition beforehand or changing the method of anesthesia. If the operation is urgent, the decision is made taking into account the risks of anesthesia and the danger of postponing the intervention.

Before a planned operation, a consultation with an anesthesiologist is conducted, during which the doctor assesses the patient's health condition, identifies possible risks, and selects an appropriate method of anesthesia.

During the consultation, the anesthesiologist:

• clarifies the presence of chronic diseases, previous operations, and complications during previous anesthesia;
• determines whether there are allergies to medications and which medications the patient takes regularly;
• reviews the results of laboratory tests and instrumental examinations, and, if indicated, recommends additional examinations, particularly an ECG.

Based on the consultation results, the doctor determines the method of anesthesia, explains the specifics of its administration and possible risks. The patient also receives individual recommendations regarding preparation for the operation, particularly medication intake, nutrition, and drinking regimen.

Preparation depends on the type of anesthesia and the specifics of the planned intervention. Before general anesthesia, regional anesthesia, or sedation, it is necessary to follow certain restrictions to reduce the risk of complications. For minor procedures under local anesthesia, special preparation is usually not required.

The main rules for preparation for anesthesia according to the recommendations of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA):

• Nutrition and drinking regimen — before a planned operation, it is necessary to refrain from eating for at least 6-8 hours. Water and other clear liquids are usually allowed no later than 2 hours before anesthesia.
• Taking medications — it is necessary to agree in advance with the doctor on taking regular medications, especially anticoagulants and medications for the treatment of diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases.
• Bowel cleansing — before certain operations on the colon and rectum, a special diet and taking medications to cleanse the bowel may be required. Such preparation is prescribed by the surgeon depending on the type of intervention.
• Monitoring well-being — if fever, cough, symptoms of infection, or an exacerbation of a chronic disease occur on the eve of the operation, it is necessary to inform the doctor.
• Hygiene and personal belongings — before the operation, it is recommended to take a shower, remove jewelry and contact lenses.

If the intervention is performed only under local anesthesia, without sedation, it is usually possible to eat and drink as usual. At the same time, regardless of the type of anesthesia, it is necessary to inform the doctor about allergic reactions, concomitant diseases, and medications you are taking.

Anesthesiological support includes preparing the patient for anesthesia, administering it, monitoring the patient's condition during surgery, and observation during the recovery period. Before the intervention begins, sensors are connected to the patient to monitor vital signs. During general and regional anesthesia, as well as sedation, an intravenous catheter is usually inserted to administer the necessary medications.

Further actions depend on the type of anesthesia:

• general anesthesia — the patient is administered medications for anesthesia, airway patency is ensured, and artificial ventilation of the lungs is performed;
• sedation — medications that provide the necessary depth of medication-induced sleep are administered intravenously;
• regional anesthesia — an anesthetic medication is injected near the corresponding nerves, after which sensitivity in the area of the planned operation is checked.

Throughout the operation, the anesthesiologist-resuscitator monitors the patient's condition, maintains the necessary depth of anesthesia or sedation, and adjusts medication dosages if necessary. The specifics of anesthesia also depend on the nature of the operation. For example, during rhinoplasty, an endotracheal tube with a cuff is usually used to ensure breathing. It allows artificial ventilation of the lungs and reduces the risk of blood entering the lower respiratory tract.

After the intervention is completed, the patient is gradually brought out of anesthesia or sedation. The anesthesiologist monitors the recovery of consciousness and spontaneous breathing. With regional anesthesia, the effect of the anesthetic medication wears off gradually, so sensitivity and mobility are restored over a certain period of time. Further observation is carried out in the postoperative ward and, if medically indicated, in the intensive care unit.

During surgery, the patient's condition is continuously monitored using special equipment. At the Oxford Medical clinic, expert-class equipment is used for this purpose, which allows vital signs to be monitored and changes requiring adjustment of anesthesia or the provision of appropriate medical care to be detected in a timely manner.

During anesthesia, the following are monitored:

• cardiac activity — the frequency and rhythm of heart contractions using electrocardiography;
• blood pressure — to assess the state of blood circulation and detect its disorders in a timely manner;
• blood oxygen saturation — using a pulse oximeter that shows the saturation level;
• breathing — the respiratory rate, the level of carbon dioxide in exhaled air, and during mechanical ventilation — additional parameters of lung ventilation;
• body temperature — to prevent hypothermia and detect dangerous temperature changes during prolonged operations.

Such monitoring complies with the international recommendations of the Association of Anaesthetists, which define the main standards for monitoring patients' conditions during anesthesia and postoperative recovery.

Doctors at Oxford Medical explain that they pay particular attention to continuous monitoring of the body's indicators throughout the operation. If necessary, anesthesiologists adjust the administration of medications, infusion therapy, and the parameters of mechanical ventilation. This helps maintain the stable functioning of vital organs and reduce the risk of complications.

The duration of recovery depends on the type of anesthesia, the medications used, the duration of the operation, and the patient's health condition. After general anesthesia or sedation, the person gradually wakes up, while medical personnel monitor breathing, blood pressure, pulse, and blood oxygen saturation levels.

Features of recovery after different types of anesthesia:

• after general anesthesia — consciousness usually returns within the first 10–30 minutes after the administration of medications is stopped, but drowsiness, weakness, nausea, or throat discomfort may persist longer;
• after sedation — the patient usually wakes up within a few minutes, but residual drowsiness and slowed reactions may be observed throughout the day;
• after regional anesthesia — sensitivity and mobility of the anesthetized part of the body gradually recover over several hours, depending on the medication and the method of its administration;
• after local anesthesia — numbness in the area of the intervention usually disappears within a few hours.

If general anesthesiology or sedation was used, it is recommended not to drive a car, consume alcohol, or perform work requiring a quick reaction for 24 hours.

Doctors at Oxford Medical note: if difficulty breathing, repeated vomiting, severe dizziness, or impaired consciousness occurs after the intervention, it is necessary to immediately seek medical assistance at the admissions department.

The cost of anesthesiological support at the private Oxford Medical clinic depends on the type of anesthesia, the complexity and duration of the operation. You can familiarize yourself with the prices for anesthesiological medical services in advance by contacting the contact center by phone. The anesthesiologist will inform you of a more accurate cost after selecting the method of anesthesia and agreeing on the scope of the surgical intervention.

To schedule an appointment with an anesthesiologist in Kyiv at Oxford Medical, call the contact center or write in the chat on the website.

The information is for informational purposes only and does not replace a doctor's consultation.

Sources:

• Association of Anaesthetists
• American Society of Anesthesiologists