Chandigarh (Jagmeet Ghuman):- “Anaesthesiologists assess patients’ health and risks before a procedure, monitor their vital organs during surgery, and assist with recovery and pain management after surgery. Modern anaesthesia is much more than simply putting a patient to sleep or making them unconscious.”
Dr. Y. K. Batra, Senior Director – Anaesthesia and Pain Management at Max Hospital, Mohali, said, “Anaesthesia helps patients undergo surgery and other medical procedures without pain or discomfort. Depending on the procedure and the patient’s condition, it may include general anaesthesia, regional anaesthesia such as spinal or epidural anaesthesia, local anaesthesia, or sedation.”
The role of an anaesthesiologist begins well before surgery and continues throughout recovery. A detailed assessment of the patient’s medical history, medications, allergies and previous experiences with anaesthesia helps identify and manage potential risks.
Dr. Batra further explained that during an operation, anaesthesiologists continuously monitor vital parameters such as breathing, oxygen levels, blood pressure and heart rate. Anaesthesia is carefully adjusted according to the patient’s condition and the requirements of the surgery.
This responsibility also extends to managing unexpected situations, changes in vital signs, excessive bleeding and other challenges that may arise during a procedure. Even after surgery, the anaesthesiology team continues to support the patient’s recovery, pain management and other immediate needs.
Dr. Batra stated that the contribution of anaesthesiology is not limited to the operating theatre. Anaesthesiologists also play an important role in critical care, airway management, mechanical ventilation, emergency medicine and pain management.
