Anesthesiology, << `an` uhs `thee` zee OL uh jee, >> is a branch of medicine that deals with the administration of drugs for the relief of pain and anxiety during surgery and childbirth. Doctors in this field are called anesthesiologists. They administer drugs called anesthetics.
Before a surgical operation, an anesthesiologist supervises the preparation of the patient, recommends tests or medications, and selects the appropriate anesthetic. During surgery, the anesthesiologist uses various techniques to anesthetize all, or part, of the patient’s body. The anesthesiologist carefully monitors the patient’s important body functions and administers oxygen, drugs, and fluids to keep these functions normal.
Anesthesiologists also have special knowledge in obstetrics, pediatrics, internal medicine, and pain management. They frequently treat patients with lung problems and supervise intensive care units. They also teach specialized breathing therapies to other health workers. Many anesthesiologists operate pain clinics and conduct research to improve the care of patients during anesthesia and surgery.
