Anesthesia and Critical Care Department: Conditions, Tests and When to Go
Anesthesia keeps patients safe, comfortable and pain-free during surgery and procedures. Critical care (intensive care) supports patients with life-threatening illness using close monitoring, ventilators and organ support. Both specialties rely on continuous monitoring of heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen and breathing.
What Does Anesthesia and Critical Care Treat?
- General, regional and local anaesthesia
- Sedation for procedures
- Post-operative pain control
- Respiratory failure needing ventilation
- Sepsis and shock
- Care after major surgery and transplantation
Common Tests in Anesthesia and Critical Care
- Pre-operative assessment
- ECG, blood gas and lab tests
- Continuous monitoring (SpO2, ECG, blood pressure, capnography)
- Point-of-care tests such as ROTEM/TEG for clotting
- Echocardiography in theatre or ICU
When Should You See a Anesthesia and Critical Care Specialist?
- Before planned surgery (pre-anaesthesia check)
- Tell your team about allergies, previous anaesthetic problems and medicines
- Follow fasting instructions exactly
- Report severe pain or breathing problems after surgery
Who Works in Anesthesia and Critical Care?
Teams include anaesthesiologists, intensivists, anaesthesia technologists, ICU nurses and respiratory therapists.
Patient Tip
Never skip the pre-anaesthesia assessment; it is one of the biggest safety steps before surgery.
How to Prepare for Your Visit
- Write down your symptoms, when they started and what makes them better or worse.
- Bring a list of all medicines and supplements, with doses.
- Carry previous reports, scans and discharge summaries.
- Note your questions in advance and, if possible, bring a family member.
Questions to Ask Your Anesthesia and Critical Care Specialist
- What is the most likely cause of my symptoms, and what else could it be?
- Which tests do I need, and what will the results change?
- What are the benefits and risks of each treatment option, including doing nothing?
- Which warning signs mean I should return urgently?
Getting Referred
In Pakistan and many other countries, the usual route to a Anesthesia and Critical Care specialist is through a family physician or general practitioner, who can start tests and write a referral. Large teaching hospitals and specialist centres also run outpatient clinics. In an emergency, go straight to the nearest emergency department.
Related Guides on ghkh.site
This Anesthesia and Critical Care department guide is educational and based on public information from WHO, CDC, NIH and NHS. It does not replace advice from a qualified clinician. Explore all specialties in our medical departments directory.