Supporting Patients Before, During and After Treatment
Anaesthesia is not limited to the time a patient is in the operating theatre. Anaesthesiologists may be involved in assessing a patient before a procedure, planning anaesthetic care, monitoring the patient during treatment and supporting recovery afterwards.
Critical care focuses on patients who require close observation, monitoring and medical support because of serious illness, complications or the need for more intensive care. Anaesthesia and critical care teams work alongside surgeons, physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals as part of coordinated hospital care.
Anaesthesia & Critical Care Services
Anaesthesia and critical care may form part of treatment at different stages, depending on the patient's condition and the procedure or treatment being undertaken.
Pre-anaesthesia assessment
Assessment before a planned procedure can include reviewing relevant medical history, medicines, allergies, previous anaesthetic experiences and other factors that may influence anaesthetic planning.
Anaesthesia for surgery
Anaesthetic care may include general, regional, spinal or epidural techniques, depending on the type of procedure and the patient's individual clinical needs.
Monitoring during procedures
Anaesthetic teams monitor patients during procedures and adjust care according to the patient's condition and the requirements of the procedure.
Labour pain relief
Epidural analgesia may be considered for pain relief during labour when clinically appropriate. Suitability is assessed by the treating team.
Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
Critical care provides patients who require intensive monitoring or medical support with closer observation and treatment according to their clinical condition.
High Dependency Care
High dependency care is intended for patients who require closer monitoring and nursing support than would normally be available on a general ward.
Pain management
Anaesthetic teams may contribute to the management of acute pain following surgery and, where appropriate, selected pain management needs.
Emergency and critical care support
Anaesthesia and critical care experience may support patients who require urgent assessment, airway management, close monitoring or resuscitation as part of emergency treatment.
Recovery after anaesthesia
Following a procedure, patients are monitored during recovery and receive appropriate post-operative care according to their clinical condition.
Why Is Pre-Anaesthesia Assessment Important?
Before planned surgery or another procedure requiring anaesthesia, the anaesthesia team reviews relevant information about the patient's health and medical history.
This may include existing medical conditions, current medicines, allergies, previous operations and any previous difficulties or reactions associated with anaesthesia.
The information gathered during assessment helps the anaesthesia team consider the most appropriate approach for the planned procedure and identify any issues that may need attention before treatment.
Preparing for Anaesthesia
Follow the preparation instructions given by your treating medical team. Tell them about your medicines, allergies, medical conditions and previous anaesthetic experiences.
Anaesthesia During Surgery
The type of anaesthesia used during a procedure depends on several factors, including the nature of the operation, the expected duration of the procedure and the patient's medical circumstances.
General anaesthesia produces a controlled state of unconsciousness for procedures where this is appropriate. Regional techniques, including spinal and epidural anaesthesia, can reduce sensation in a particular area of the body while the patient may remain awake or receive additional sedation.
The anaesthesia team monitors the patient throughout the procedure and manages anaesthesia according to the clinical situation. The planned technique and relevant risks should be discussed with the treating anaesthesiologist before the procedure.
Critical Care at PGH Hospitals
Critical care is intended for patients who need closer monitoring and medical support than can usually be provided in a general ward.
Patients may require critical care because of serious illness, complications following surgery, significant injury or other conditions that require intensive observation and treatment.
Depending on the patient's condition, critical care may involve continuous monitoring, support for breathing or circulation, management of complications and coordination with other specialist teams.
The level and duration of critical care are determined according to each patient's clinical needs. Families can discuss the patient's condition, treatment plan and expected next steps with the treating team.
ICU and High Dependency Care
An Intensive Care Unit (ICU) provides a higher level of monitoring and treatment for patients whose condition requires intensive medical support.
A High Dependency Unit (HDU) provides an intermediate level of care for patients who need closer observation or more frequent clinical assessment than would normally be available on a general ward.
The decision to admit a patient to intensive or high dependency care is based on clinical assessment. The treating team determines the appropriate level of monitoring and support according to the patient's condition.
Pain Management After Surgery
Some degree of discomfort can occur after surgery. Appropriate pain management is an important part of recovery and may help patients move, breathe deeply and participate in rehabilitation as advised by their clinical team.
Pain management may involve medicines or, for selected patients and procedures, regional techniques or nerve blocks. The approach depends on the type of surgery, the patient's health and other clinical considerations.
Patients should tell their medical team if pain is not adequately controlled or if they experience unexpected symptoms following a procedure.
How Should You Prepare for Anaesthesia?
Preparation instructions vary according to the procedure and the patient's medical condition. Your treating team will provide specific instructions before surgery or another procedure.
Tell your healthcare team about all medicines you take, including prescribed medicines and other products, as well as known allergies, existing medical conditions and previous reactions to anaesthesia.
If you have been given instructions about fasting, medicines or arrival times, follow those instructions carefully. Do not change prescribed medicines or fasting arrangements unless advised by your medical team.
A Multidisciplinary Approach to Patient Care
Anaesthesia and critical care involve close coordination with other clinical departments. Depending on the patient's needs, anaesthesiologists and critical care teams may work alongside surgeons, physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals.
This collaborative approach allows the patient's medical history, current condition and treatment requirements to be considered when planning and delivering care.
Anaesthesia & Critical Care at PGH Hospitals, Uttam Nagar
PGH Hospitals in Uttam Nagar, New Delhi, provides hospital-based medical and surgical care across multiple clinical departments. Anaesthesia and critical care form an important part of care for patients undergoing procedures and for patients requiring closer medical monitoring.
Patients can contact PGH Hospitals to enquire about anaesthesia services, critical care, pre-anaesthesia assessment and the appropriate department for their clinical needs.
Looking for Anaesthesia or Critical Care in Delhi?
Contact PGH Hospitals in Uttam Nagar, New Delhi, to enquire about anaesthesia, critical care, pre-anaesthesia assessment and related hospital services.
Frequently Asked Questions About Anaesthesia & Critical Care
An anaesthesiologist is involved in the care of patients before, during and after procedures requiring anaesthesia. This can include pre-anaesthesia assessment, planning the anaesthetic technique, monitoring during the procedure and supporting recovery afterwards.
A pre-anaesthesia assessment helps the anaesthesia team review relevant aspects of your health before a planned procedure. Medical history, medicines, allergies and previous anaesthetic experiences may all be relevant when planning your care.
Depending on the procedure and the patient's clinical circumstances, anaesthesia may include general, regional, spinal or epidural techniques. The anaesthesiologist will discuss the appropriate option for the planned procedure.
Fasting instructions are intended to reduce the risk of stomach contents entering the airway during anaesthesia. The exact fasting requirements can vary according to the procedure, medical condition and type of anaesthesia, so patients should follow the instructions given by their treating team.
An ICU provides intensive monitoring and medical support for patients who are seriously ill or require a higher level of care. An HDU provides a level of monitoring and support between a general ward and intensive care. The appropriate setting depends on the patient's clinical needs.
Epidural analgesia can be used to provide pain relief during labour when it is clinically appropriate. Whether an epidural is suitable depends on the individual patient and should be discussed with the obstetric and anaesthesia teams.
Some discomfort can occur after surgery, but pain can often be managed using an appropriate combination of treatments. The approach depends on the operation, your health and your clinical needs. Tell your treating team if your pain is not adequately controlled.
Tell your anaesthesia team about your medical conditions, current medicines, known allergies, previous operations and any previous problems or reactions associated with anaesthesia. This information can help the team plan your care.
Critical care may be required by patients with serious illness, significant complications, severe injury or those who need intensive monitoring and medical support. The decision is based on the patient's individual clinical condition.
You can contact PGH Hospitals in Uttam Nagar, New Delhi, to enquire about anaesthesia services, pre-anaesthesia assessment, critical care and related hospital services.