Axon Anaesthesia Associates is among the first in the private sector to identify and promote patient safety before, during and after surgery. With the motto of "Patient Safety First'', Axon has been pursuing a scientific approach to surgical patients, so that they will have the best outcomes. It also educates the patients and their relatives/friends about the importance of Anaesthesia during the perioperative period. This is possible because of the enormous knowledge base and the experience, that the Group has been acquiring for the last more than 2 decades.
The interaction of Axon with patients starts well before surgery – it starts from the time the decision for surgery is made. The operating surgeon sends the patient for a PAC or pre-anaesthetic check-up. During this consultation, the patient is assessed thoroughly, keeping in mind any medical conditions suffered by the patient, medications they are on, any previous anaesthetic experiences and the surgery which is proposed. After this, a risk evaluation is done and the patient is counselled regarding the type of anaesthesia which is appropriate for the procedure. In some situations, the patient may need only pain relief not surgery; for example for labour analgesia or pain relief during childbirth. Prenatal sessions are carried out by our anaesthetists in the obstetric hospitals we cover, and printed handouts are given as appropriate.
What are the different types of Anaesthesia?
- A general anaesthetic is one in which the patient is rendered unconscious by administration of intravenous and/or inhalation anaesthetics for the period of surgery. A member of the Anaesthesia Team closely monitors the patient's major bodily functions. A special soft tube is usually required during general anaesthesia. This is passed down the wind-pipe of the patient after unconsciousness has set in. You can refer to an interactive tutorial here.
- Regional anaesthesia involves numbing the part of the body where surgery is to take place, so that the patient does not have any pain. The lower half of the body can be rendered numb by an injection in the back – this is called spinal or epidural anaesthesia.
- A regional anaesthetic block involves an injection around the nerves supplying the arm or leg so that the pain impulses from that region are blocked.
- Regional anaesthesia can be combined with sedation or general anaesthesia.
- A local anaesthetic prevents pain by inducing the loss of sensation in a certain area of the body while the patient remains awake.
- Epidural anaesthesia: In this form of anaesthesia the anaesthetist inserts a very thin tube through a special blunt needle between the bones of your vertebral column. The thin tube rests in a space, which surrounds the spinal cord. The pertinent nerves reside in this area and this method is also used to provide pain relief during delivery and after surgery. You can see an interactive tutorial about epidural anaesthesia here.
- Sedation is a technique where a drug is given to calm a patient during an otherwise excited, uncomfortable, or anxious period of time. It is often administered to patients immediately prior to surgery or during uncomfortable medical procedures such as endoscopy, cardiac catheterization, imaging procedures such as MRI, painful dressing procedures and so on.
Who gives Anaesthesia?
Qualified doctors, who are known as anaesthetists, administer anaesthesia. A doctor becomes an anaesthetist after a two-to-three-year postgraduate training after MBBS. Axon Anaesthesia Associates provides a "team care" approach: an anaesthetist evaluates a patient before surgery, discusses the case with peers/seniors and formulates a plan of anaesthesia suitable for the patient. An anaesthetist is present with the patient for the duration of the procedure and accompanies the patient to the recovery room, ensuring that the patient is calm and pain free. Anaesthesia is normally very safe, as due care and attention is taken to prevent the uncommon but known complications from occurring. You as a patient can do a lot to make anaesthesia a safe and uncomplicated procedure.
What can you do make your Anaesthetic a pleasant and safe experience?
The pre-anaesthetic check-up (PAC) is an important part of your surgery; you get to meet your anaesthetist and get an opportunity to rest any fears. Tell your anaesthetist if you have any illnesses including a cold, it is useful to take a list of your medications or bring the medications along. Talk about your past experiences with anaesthesia if any, and how you reacted to them. Inform the team if you suspect ANY known allergies to anything, this could be to medication or to eggs. Tell the anaesthetist if you snore or you wake up at night breathless. If you suspect that you are pregnant, please inform the anaesthetist. The anaesthesia or the surgery could affect your pregnancy. If you have eaten or drunk anything you have to inform the staff. Please ask if you have any doubts or fears, the team will be happy to clarify and reassure you. Ask the anaesthetist for a phone number that you can call if you want any clarifications.
Instructions
The anaesthetist will give simple instructions to you, including fasting before surgery and any change in your regular medications. It is important that they followed very carefully. Not following them could lead to hazardous complications. It is useful to note down the instructions or ask if you are in doubt.
Your rights
- You have the right to see an anaesthetist before an anaesthetic is administered to you.
- You have the right to ask the anaesthetist's qualification.
- You have the right to enquire if your vital body functions will be monitored during anaesthesia.
- You have the right to adequate pain relief within safe limits.
- You have the right to a clear pre anaesthetic check-up and advice.