Comfort and Safety for Surgery
Throughout the surgical process - from pre-surgical
admission until a patient is moved into recovery,
Akron General anesthesiologists works with surgeons,
other specialists and a team of nurses to ensure
the patient's safety and comfort. Most people think
that an anesthesiologist simply administers the
medication, called anesthesia, which helps patients
fall asleep for a surgery and remain pain-free.
Anesthesiologists play another important role on
the surgical team. They work with medication, technology
and other healthcare professionals to ensure that
vital body functions, such as breathing, heart rate,
blood pressure and brain and kidney functions are
stable and at safe levels during procedures.
Before surgery, the anesthesiologist
evaluates the patient's medical condition. He or
she then creates an individualized plan for care
to monitor the patients organ systems and administer
anesthetic medication during the procedure and recovery.
An anesthesiologist manages and treats medical issues
just before surgery, during the procedure and while
the patient is in recovery. An irregular heart rhythm
or diabetes are just two types of conditions, the
anesthesiologist must take into consideration.
During a surgery or procedure,
an anesthesiologist may administer medication so
that the patient is completely asleep, or they may
give the patient just a regional nerve block, so
that they are conscious and able to answer questions
or perform certain tasks. An epidural, given during
delivery of a baby, is just one example of a regional
nerve block.
A Team Approach to Care during
Surgery and Recovery
At Akron General Medical Center, a team of more
than 35 nurse anesthetists are available to assist
an anesthesiologist in monitoring and caring for
the patient. With an advance practice nursing degree,
nurse anesthetists are specially trained to understand
patients needs during and after surgery, help monitor
their vital signs during procedures and care for
them afterwards.
After surgery, patients are typically
moved to a special recovery unit, called the Post
Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) until they have recovered
from the effects of the anesthesia medication. Here,
additional monitoring and staffing ensures that
recovery is progressing and that patients remain
safe and comfortable.
What Patients Should Know About
Billing
Anesthesiology physicians at Akron General Medical
Center are a part of Anesthesiology Associates of
Akron, Inc., a group of physicians specializing
in anesthesiology and pain management. Patients
undergoing surgery or pain management procedures
should expect to receive separate statements from
Akron General Medical Center and for services provided
by your anesthesiologist or anesthesiologist group,
since most anesthesiologists are not employees of
Akron General Medical Center, but are independent
practitioners.
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