Modern Anesthesia at the Döbling Private Hospital

Why patient consultation before anesthesia is important

Before an anesthesiologist begins with anesthesia, they have to get to know their patient. They must be aware of pre-existing medical conditions, allergies, and weight, body type, and other risk factors. Based on this knowledge, they design an anesthetic and use one or another medication.

How is are anesthesia administered?

Anesthesia is usually initiated with an intravenous administration of opiates and anesthetics. The patient falls asleep comfortably, feeling intoxicated. Once the medications have been administered, the patient usually stops breathing, and we take over ventilation. Before anesthesia begins, the patient is monitored. This means a blood pressure check, a pulse check, and an ECG are taken, and parameters are continuously recorded. Patients usually regain consciousness in the recovery room, where they are then sent back to a regular ward shortly afterward.

What are the risks of general anesthesia?

The medications we use here are very safe. Safe in their effectiveness, but also safe that they will stop working. There are possible side effects of anesthesia. Nausea is very common and is treated immediately. A feeling of hoarseness or a sore throat can also frequently occur. In very rare cases, allergic reactions occur, which can be severe, but this is a very, very rare complication. The risk of dying from anesthesia, i.e. not waking up, is 0.0008 percent. So it's hard to imagine how small the probability is.

In which cases can spinal anesthesia be administered?

Spinal anesthesia is a procedure that has been practiced for more than 120 years. It is widely used in obstetrics because it is the safer alternative to general anesthesia. Spinal anesthesia is also widely used in orthopedics for lower extremity surgery. The patient breathes independently, so no ventilation is necessary. The patient can remain conscious, but if they want to sleep, this is also possible. Ventilation is also not necessary in this case.

Patient safety is our central concern

At the Döbling Private Hospital, there is a 24-hour staff of anesthesiologists. This means that an anesthesiologist is on duty 24 hours a day, every day of the year. It is our aim that our patients feel individually and personally cared for, and that they fall asleep feeling safe and wake up without any side effects.

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