Specialty Care to Manage Pain and Promote Healing

Anesthesia refers to various methods of blocking sensation to a body part, or to induce a lack of consciousness so a procedure can be performed for the patient without pain. Anesthesiologists are MDs who have gone on to receive further education in the specialized science of anesthesiology. They are highly skilled and essential members of any surgical team.

There are various levels of anesthesia. Common terms used to describe these different levels include, "twilight sleep," regional or local anesthesia, general anesthesia and conscious sedation.

Anesthesiologists choose the appropriate level of sedation during the preoperative evaluation based on the type and length of the procedure being done. Patient characteristics such as weight, overall health and existing medical conditions also have a major impact in deicing which type of anesthesia to use. Patient preference is also considered when medically appropriate.

Anesthesiologists also consult with other specialists to evaluate respiratory problems, musculoskeletal and neurological disorders involving ventilation and for special radiological diagnostic techniques, such as CT scans and MRIs.

The Anesthesiology program at University Hospitals is staffed with highly trained anesthesiologists, CRNAs, certified anesthesia assistants and anesthesia techs who provide expert care through all stages of a patient's treatment, including preoperative evaluation, postoperative critical care anesthesiology and pain management. In addition, University Hospitals has a team of pediatric anesthesiologists, specially trained to address the unique needs of children. Our staff is committed to making patients as comfortable as possible by using cutting-edge techniques to minimize pain and promote accelerated healing.