Patient care and anaesthesia information
Our team of specialist anaesthesiologists works closely with your surgeon and the
hospital staff to ensure that your surgery is conducted with the highest standards
of safety and professionalism.
Our role is not only to administer anaesthesia, but also to monitor and care for you
throughout your surgical journey.
1. What does an anaesthesiologist do?
An anaesthesiologist is a specialist medical doctor responsible for:
▪ Assessing your medical condition before surgery
▪ Planning and administering the most appropriate anaesthetic for
your procedure
▪ Monitoring your vital functions throughout the operation
▪ Managing pain during and after the procedure and supporting your
recovery after surgery.
Your anaesthesiologist stays with you throughout the procedure,
continuously monitoring your heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, and
overall well-being.
2. Before your procedure.
Before surgery, your anaesthesiologist will review your medical and
surgical history and may discuss the following with you:
▪ Previous anaesthetic experiences
▪ Current medications
▪ Allergies or medical conditions
▪ Fasting requirements prior to surgery
▪ The type of anaesthesia recommended for your procedure
This discussion ensures that the anaesthetic plan is individualised and safe
for you.
3. Types of anaesthesia
Depending on the procedure and your medical condition, your
anaesthesiologist may recommend one or a combination of the following:
▪General Anaesthesia: you will be completely asleep and unaware during
the procedure.
▪Regional Anaesthesia: used to numb a specific area of the body (for example, spinal or epidural block anaesthesia).
▪Local Anaesthesia: involves numbing nerves in the surgical area to minimise pain
▪Sedation: administering medication via a drip to help you relax or sleep lightly
Your anaesthesiologist will explain the most suitable option/s for your procedure.
4. What happens during and after your procedure
Throughout your procedure, your anaesthesiologist continuously monitors your:
▪ Heart rate
▪ Blood pressure
▪ Oxygen levels
▪ Breathing
▪ Depth of anaesthesia
Your anaesthesiologist will continue to oversee your care immediately after surgery, ensuring that you:
▪ Wake up safely from anaesthesia
▪ Have appropriate pain control
▪ Recover comfortably in the recovery area
You may experience mild side effects such as nausea, drowsiness, or a sore throat, these are usually temporary. Please let your anaesthesiologist know if you have previously suffered from nausea post-operatively.
5. Patient Safety
While modern anaesthesia is extremely safe, no medical procedure can be guaranteed to be entirely risk-free.
Our team takes every precaution to ensure your safety by adhering to internationally recognised safety standards.
Anaesthetic equipment and theatre facilities are supplied and
maintained by the hospital and undergo regular safety checks.
If you would like further information about anaesthesia or your
upcoming procedure, please feel free to discuss this with your
anaesthesiologist.
6. Your Information and Privacy
Your personal and health information may be collected and processed in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) to provide you with appropriate medical care.
Where necessary, relevant information may be shared with healthcare professionals and institutions involved in your treatment. All information is handled confidentially and used only for legitimate healthcare and administrative purposes.
Anonymous clinical information may also be used to support quality improvement and enhance patient care.
7. Professional Standards and Mediation
In the unlikely event of a concern or complaint, patients may request a confidential pre mediation meeting with an accredited mediator appointed through the South African Society of Anaesthesiologists (SASA) before any formal legal process is pursued.
8. Anaesthetic Accounts
Please note that the anaesthetist/anaesthesiologist’s account is
separate from the hospital and surgeon’s accounts.
Anaesthesia fees are generally time-based and may vary if unforeseen circumstances arise during the procedure.
Medical schemes may not cover the full anaesthetic fee depending on the specific scheme and plan option. Patients remain responsible for any outstanding balance on their account.
Should an account remain unpaid and require collection, interest and collection costs may be applied in accordance with standard practice
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Your anaesthesiologist will meet with you before your procedure to review your medical history, discuss the anaesthetic plan and answer any questions you may have.
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Will I meet my anaesthesiologist before surgery?
Is anaesthesia safe?
Will I feel pain during surgery?
How long does it take to wake up from anaesthesia?
Can I eat or drink before surgery?
What are common side effects after anaesthesia?
▪ Nausea or vomiting
▪ Drowsiness
▪ Sore throat
▪ Dizziness
▪ These symptoms usually resolve within a short period after surgery.