What does an anesthesiologist actually do during surgery?

An anesthesiologist is a physician who keeps a patient comfortable and safe during an operation. Giving the anesthetic is only part of the work. They also watch the patient's vital signs continuously, treat changes as they happen, and manage any other medical conditions the patient has. UCLA's medical school says that inducing anesthesia is only one facet of their perioperative responsibilities. [1] [2]

Before the operation, the anesthesiologist reviews the patient's health history and test results and chooses the safest anesthesia plan. In the operating room they administer drugs for sedation and pain management and adjust the dosing as needed. The Colorado Society of Anesthesiologists says the anesthesiologist regulates the anesthetic so the patient stays comfortable until the anesthetic care is complete. Oxford University Hospitals adds that the anesthetic is tailored to the individual patient and that the anaesthetist stays with them throughout the operation. [3] [1] [2] [4] [5]

Surgery affects the body's basic functions, so much of the job is close observation. Johns Hopkins says the anesthesia provider watches for the slightest changes in heart rate and rhythm, blood pressure, body temperature, oxygen levels and breathing. Cleveland Clinic adds that they give fluids, blood products and medications to support the heart, lungs and kidneys. Oxford describes the range as running from simple monitoring of heart, blood pressure and oxygen levels to advanced organ support in complex cases. Cleveland Clinic also notes that they make sure body parts are padded and protected from injury while the patient is unaware. [6] [3] [5]

Patients often have conditions such as diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure or heart problems. Because of the preoperative evaluation, the anesthesiologist is prepared to treat these during and right after surgery. They are also the doctors who diagnose and treat any medical problem that arises during the operation. A UCLA anesthesiologist, Dr. Lee, describes the role as scanning for potential issues and alerting the team, and says they always keep a plan A, a plan B and a plan C for emergencies. [4] [6] [2]

An anesthesiologist may work alone or with an anesthesia care team that includes nurse anesthetists or physicians in training. Johns Hopkins notes that either an anesthesiologist or a certified nurse anesthetist may give the anesthesia. After the operation, the anesthesiologist stays responsible for the patient in the recovery area, usually decides when the effects have worn off enough for the patient to leave it, and helps plan pain relief. [3] [6] [4] [5]