What are anaesthesia and resuscitation?

Anaesthesia- resuscitation refers to a speciality practiced in the operating theatre (anaesthesia) and/or in a specialised resuscitation unit. Inpatients presenting signs of failure of at least two of the following vital functions are taken to a resuscitation unit:

• Respiratory system (lungs)
• Circulatory system (heart and vessels)
• Renal function
• Nervous system, etc.

Resuscitation helps to keep patients with severe deficiencies alive. These patients benefit from being constantly monitored in this specialised unit.

Anaesthesia is performed in the operating theatre in close collaboration with surgeons. This may be general anaesthesia, which puts the patient in a state of unconsciousness, in particular to limit movement and pain during surgical procedures, or loco-regional anaesthesia, where only a specific part of the body is numbed.

What does an anaesthesiologist do?

In the case of a scheduled surgical procedure, the anaesthesiologist receives the patient during a pre-anaesthesia consultation. The anaesthesiologist evaluates the patient’s state of health, examines their medical file (allergies, medical history, etc.) and chooses the most appropriate anaesthesia technique for the surgery needed.

The anaesthetist may postpone an operation if deemed necessary. Prior to the operation, they anaesthetise the patient using gases diffused by a mask and/or by intravenous injection of the anaesthetic. Throughout the operation, in close collaboration with the surgeon and assisted by an anaesthetist nurse, the anaesthesiologist monitors the patient’s condition (respiratory function, cardio function, etc.) using high-tech equipment. After the operation, the anaesthetist monitors the patient in the recovery room as they come round from the operation and works to alleviate post-operative pain. The anaesthesiologist can also intervene in accidents and emergency situations.

When to see an anaesthesiologist

The pre-anaesthesia assessment has been a mandatory requirement in France since 1994. Depending on the type of admission – outpatient or inpatient – the consultation must take place at least 48 hours before any surgical procedure/examination or painful treatment requiring an anaesthetic (except for emergency cases). The main objective of the consultation is to inform the patient about their operation, and further tests may be required. If need be, the patient may be requested to choose between a general or loco-regional anaesthetic. The anaesthetist consulted is not necessarily the same one who will anaesthetise the patient on the day of the operation, but continuity is ensured through the patient’s anaesthesia file. A second, preoperative consultation is carried out by the anaesthetist who will intervene, just before the operation takes place, in order to ensure that the situation has not changed since the previous consultation.

Some anaesthetists are specialised in the treatment of chronic pain and may receive patients for consultation in this setting outside a surgical context.

How to choose an anaesthetist

The surgeon refers the patient to their facility’s team of anaesthetists. Unless the patient specifies that they wish to be seen by a particular anaesthetist, they will be treated by this team. As mentioned above, the anaesthetist who conducts the pre-anaesthetic consultation will not necessarily be the same team member that intervenes during the operation itself.