The speciality of Anaesthesia is changing quickly due to the complexity of the cases seen and the technology available for patient care. The demands with regard to the skills necessary for the management of clinical practice, exceed those which were needed in the past.

The Department of Anaesthesiology at BCMCH strives to provide outstanding patient care and the finest education for medical students and residents, with its team of accomplished faculty and world-class infrastructure, always keeping abreast of the latest developments in the field.

Each year, the department provides anaesthesia services for more than 5000 procedures within 18 operating rooms and multiple additional locations within the hospital, under a broad spectrum of medical and surgical needs.

Services

The Department of Anaesthesia provides expert anaesthesia care for the full spectrum of medical and surgical indications seen at a major tertiary care academic institution.

General intra-operative care is divided into procedure-related areas:
cardiovascular and thoracic, neurological, genitourinary, general surgical, otorhinolaryngology (ENT), dental, ophthalmologic, orthopaedic, gynaecologic, paediatric, including kidney transplant.

Short therapeutic procedures or diagnostic studies such as special X-rays, MRIs and interventional radiology-related procedures, endoscopy and related procedures, electro-convulsive therapies which need the presence and special skills of an anaesthesiologist, is also provided.

Labour Analgesia and Acute Pain Services are also provided.

Patient Guide

The general outline of events that patients will experience related to their anaesthetic experience is given below:

After a procedure under anaesthesia is planned, the patient is referred to the pre-anaesthesia clinic for a general medical history and evaluation, to assess the magnitude of medical problems, and plan on further laboratory tests or medical consultation, if necessary, before proceeding with anaesthesia and surgery.

Usually, the nature of the surgery and /or other medical problems mandates the type of anaesthesia; however, there is considerable flexibility in choosing among the various anaesthetic options. Whenever possible, patient preferences are accommodated. Once the patient is deemed fit for the procedure, and date and time of the procedure is decided on, instructions related to fasting and medications are issued. 

Following surgery, patients may receive care from anaesthesia physicians if they are recovering in one of the Intensive Care Units or if Acute Pain Service is consulted to assist with management.