Dubai’s leading Anaesthesiology Department

We employ some of the region’s most highly qualified anaesthesiologists at our world-class Anaesthesiology Department. Involved in the study of anaesthetics, their safety, and effectiveness, our specialists are on hand to ensure you get the right type and the right dose of anaesthetic drugs for your operation. With decades of experience and exceptional training, our anaesthesiologists ensure you stay safe and well throughout your procedure, whether minor or major surgery.

What is Anaesthesia?

Anaesthesia is the group of procedures and protocols, used to treat patients undergoing surgical procedures. The word ‘anaesthesia’ means ‘loss of sensation,’ and these powerful drugs are used to make you sleep or to numb a localised part of the body during an operation. The levels of drugs you need depends on a whole range of factors, but an anaesthesia doctor will be able to calculate the exact dosage you require.

Anaesthetics can be used for both minor and major surgical procedures. These drugs work by blocking the nerve signals to your brain, but the strength required must be carefully worked out because they can also affect the functioning of the heart, lungs, and circulation. Anaesthesiologists are trained to a high level in order to calculate the dosage on an individual basis, to ensure you remain safe whilst under the effect of these drugs.

Find the best anaesthesia doctor for your procedure

Be it a minor or major procedure, you will be given an anaesthetic to block out the pain. For small procedures such as a tooth extraction or the removal of a small skin blemish, the anaesthetic will be local, and may be combined with sedation or general anaesthesia. That means it only numbs the small area of the body where the procedure will take place, but you may also be sent to a deep or superficial sleep depending on the request. For more major operations, you will be given a general anaesthetic. This means you slowly drift into a state of unconsciousness where you’ll feel no pain throughout the operation.

Dubai London Hospital employs some of the most experienced and skilled anaesthesiologists in the region. Our specialists have been trained to the highest levels and are experts in anaesthesia, having worked in this field for many years. We provide them with ongoing learning opportunities to ensure they stay at the leading edge in anaesthesia and provide them with the very latest medical technology so they can carry out their exceptional work.

What procedures do Dubai London Hospital’s anesthesiologists work on?

Your anaesthesia doctor will be qualified to provide anaesthetics for a range of surgical procedures. Among the anaesthesia services we provide:

• Elective and emergency surgeries
• Anaesthesia for paediatrics, obstetrics, cardiac and thoracic surgeries
• Sedation in adults and children for a range of investigative procedures

All sorts of factors contribute to the calculations which go into anaesthesia management, from the type of procedure you’re having to your age, weight, and medical history.

The main types of anaesthesia are:

• Regional – where anaesthetic drugs blocks nerves involved in the operated area
• Spinal – where an anaesthetic is applied to the back/spine blocking planned surgical area, providing complete numbness to the body during surgery. The effects usually last around two to three hours
• Epidural – providing numbness to the lower half of the body and most commonly used as pain relief during childbirth, and used for post-operative pain treatment
• Sedation – medication to relax you both physically and mentally, often to keep a patient calm during an unpleasant or painful minor procedure

Anaesthetics are delivered in two main ways; as an injection (via IV, IM) or as an inhaled gas. The type of anaesthetic will be worked out by your anaesthesia doctor before you go for surgery.

Are there any side effects to anaesthesia?

As with any drug, there are some side effects to having been given an anaesthetic. These may include:

• Nausea or actually being sick
• Dizziness or faintness
• Headaches
• General aches and pains
• Feeling cold or shivery
• Difficulty urinating
• Some minor bruising and soreness
• Sleepiness or drowsiness

These symptoms are usually mild and tend to pass within a few hours. If you have any worries, you can consult your doctor beforehand.

Working with your anaesthesia doctor

We encourage our patients to speak to their anaesthetist about any concerns they may have before a procedure, so their doctor can clear them. Anaesthesia is perfectly safe when it’s delivered in the appropriate way, and the science behind it has advanced to the point where the risks are minimal. Nevertheless, your anaesthesia doctor will outline those minor risks with you and discuss your options.

They will take into account your preferences and clarify any queries you may have before making their judgment on the best course of action. They will also remain on hand throughout the procedure and make sure you wake up feeling comfortable, and will then work in tandem with pain management specialists to alleviate any discomfort you may feel in the days and weeks following your procedure.

Dubai London Hospital works with only the very best anaesthesia specialists, and you’re safe in their capable hands. For more information on our Anaesthesia Department or to book an appointment, simply get in touch today.