Anesth-Ambulatory

Ambulatory Surgery

Surgery performed on an outpatient basis that may be hospital-based or performed in an office or surgicenter.

ASA Physical Status Classification

A system used to assess the fitness of patients for anesthesia and surgery, classified from ASA I (normal healthy patient) to ASA VI (declared brain-dead patient).

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

A condition characterized by repeated pauses in breathing during sleep, leading to high risk of hypoxemia postoperatively.

Premedication

Medications given before anesthesia to control anxiety, postoperative pain, nausea, and vomiting, and to reduce the risk of aspiration.

Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting (PONV)

A common complication after surgery that may delay patient discharge and is more likely to occur in certain patient populations.

General Anesthesia

A medically induced state of unconsciousness with absence of sensation in the whole body, requiring careful monitoring and management.

Benzodiazepines

A class of psychoactive drugs used as premedication to reduce anxiety and induce sedation before procedures.

Nerve Blocks

Local anesthetic techniques used to improve patient satisfaction and reduce postoperative pain.

Invasive Surgery

Surgical procedures that may require deeper levels of anesthesia due to their nature and complexity.

Flumazenil

A benzodiazepine receptor antagonist used to reverse sedation after procedures.

Local Anesthesia

A type of anesthesia that blocks sensation in a specific area of the body.

Regional Anesthesia

Anesthesia that blocks sensation in a larger area of the body, such as an entire limb or lower half.

Anesthesia Awareness

A condition where patients become conscious during surgery and may experience sensations or sounds.

Chronic Pain

Pain that persists for a long time, often occurring after surgery or injury.

Malignant Hyperthermia

A rare but severe reaction to certain anesthetics, leading to a rapid increase in body temperature.

Inhalational Anesthetics

Gases or vapors used to induce and maintain general anesthesia.

Opioid Analgesics

Medications used to relieve severe pain during and after surgery.

Antiemetics

Medications that prevent or treat nausea and vomiting, especially useful in PONV.

Patient-Controlled Analgesia (PCA)

A method that allows patients to self-administer pain relief through an intravenous pump.

Preoperative Assessment

A comprehensive evaluation of a patient's medical history and physical condition before surgery.

Hypercapnia

An excess of carbon dioxide in the bloodstream, potentially complicating anesthesia management.

Incision

A surgical cut made in the skin or tissue to access the area of interest.

Recovery Room

An area where patients are monitored after surgery as they awaken from anesthesia.

Consent for Anesthesia

A formal agreement by the patient to undergo anesthesia and potential risks discussed.

Anesthetic Drug Interactions

Potentially dangerous effects when anesthetic agents interact with other medications a patient is taking.

Extubation

The process of removing the endotracheal tube after surgery once the patient is stable.

Surgical Site Infection (SSI)

An infection occurring at the site of surgery, a potential postoperative complication.

Postoperative Care

Management and support provided to a patient following surgery.

Informed Consent

A legal process ensuring that patients understand the risks and benefits of surgery and anesthesia.

Endotracheal Tube

A tube inserted into the trachea to secure the airway during general anesthesia.