Anaesthesia services — Otago and Southland

Otago

• Phone 03 474 0999
• Email contactus@southerndhb.govt.nz

Southland

• Phone 03 218 1949

Dunedin Hospital

Street address

Dunedin Hospital
Main Block
201 Great King Street
Dunedin

Postal address

Anaesthesia services Otago
Private Bag 1921
Dunedin 9054
New Zealand

Southland Hospital

Street address

Southland Hospital
Kew Road
Invercargill

Postal address

Anaesthesia services Southland
PO Box 828
Invercargill 9840
New Zealand

You are given an anaesthetic when you have surgery so that you do not feel pain. There are different types of anaesthesia. The type you get depends on your surgery and how long it will take. Anaesthetic is given to you by an anaesthetist.

Anaesthesia care falls into 3 parts.

Before surgery check to make sure you can have an anaesthetic

The anaesthetist will visit you on the morning of surgery or the night before. They will check if you can have an anaesthetic and they type that is best for your situation. They will ask questions on your:

• general health
• previous medical history
• previous anaesthetics received
• allergies
• smoking habits
• previous heart problems.

They will also do a physical examination of your:

• heart and lungs
• neck for shape
• mouth for loose teeth or caps.

Your neck and mouth are checked in case you need a breathing tube. This is because it can be difficult to insert depending on the shape of the neck and mouth, and also to avoid damage to your teeth.

The ideal candidate for anaesthesia is within normal weight range, is well oxygenated, has a normal and regular heartbeat and is conscious.

Your anaesthetist may prescribe a pre-med — a medication taken before surgery, to help you stay relaxed and calm.

Care during surgery

During surgery, your anaesthetist's main role is to make sure:

• you do not feel pain by giving you appropriate pain relief agents for the extent and length of your operation
• your vital organs get enough oxygen by checking your oxygen level, your heart rate and your blood pressure
• you are breathing properly — during surgery you may breathe on your own or use an artificial ventilator, so they check your respiratory rate, volume of each breath and the inhaled and exhaled oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations
• your body is circulating fluids properly by checking your blood pressure, wee (urine) output and skin temperature — you will be given intravenous fluids and may be given blood products if you need them.

After surgery pain management

You will be taken to a recovery area when your surgery is over. Your anaesthetist and a recovery nurse will check your condition as you wake up from the anaesthetic and help manage any pain you may experience.

Other services Anaesthesia services provide

Anaesthesia services also provide:

• nurse supported pre-anaesthetic assessment clinics
• educational meetings
• audits and quality improvement.

You will be referred to Anaesthesia services if you need surgery.