Breadcrumb trail
- Centre for Pain Medicine
- Anaesthesiology
- High-Risk Patients
Contents
High-Risk Patients
Some type of anaesthesia is a prerequisite for the majority of all surgical procedures. In order to ensure maximum safety for the patient and optimal conditions for the surgeon, the anaesthetist selects the most appropriate anaesthetic method. Taking into consideration the patient’s preferences, the decision to use either general (full unconsciousness) or regional (partial) anaesthesia is made at the preoperative consultation at least one day prior to the procedure.
Surgery and anaesthesia temporarily affect the function of the heart, circulation, brain, lungs, kidneys, and muscles. One of the anaesthetist’s main tasks is to monitor these systems and to promptly correct any disturbances of function.
Chronic medical problems in the patient undergoing surgery – regardless of the indication for surgery – are common causes of restricted organ function, and these concomitant diseases, such as heart failure or chronic lung, kidney, or liver disorders, in addition to advanced age, often determine the long-term operative risk. For this reason, the anaesthetist pays close attention to any associated medical conditions during the surgical procedure.
