1.

What is Monitored anesthesia care (MAC)?

"Monitored Anaesthetic Care" is undergone with the presence of an anaesthesiologist who monitors the entire operation process to ensure the safety and smooth progress of the operation or endoscopy.

Before the examination, the anaesthesiologist assesses whether the patient is suitable for anaesthesia and formulates an appropriate anaesthesia plan. During the examination, the anaesthesiologist monitors the patient's vital index, adjusts the drugs as needed, and maintain the stablility of the patient's vital signs. After the examination, the anaesthesiologist stops the anaesthesia and monitors the patient's recovery until the patient wake up naturally. 

What is "General Anaesthesia"(GA)?

"General Anaesthesia" is commonly applied to intermediate to major or complex operations such as cardiac operation and colon operation. "General Anaesthesia" uses intravenous drugs or inhaled gases or a combination of these two types of anaesthetic. Anaesthetist may use an intravenous line which is inserted into either arm or hand of patients to administrate the anaesthetic. Patients will fall be unconscious gradually and the operation will be painless and asleep to have painless operations.

"General Anaesthesia" may also use inhaled gases. Patients inhale a mixture of several anaesthetic gases and be asleep with loss of consciousness. When patients undergo abdominal operation or other procedures requiring muscle relaxation, muscle relaxants will be used and tracheal intubation will be performed to facilitate ventilation of lungs.

At the end of operation, anaesthetist will awake patients under anaesthesia to regain awareness and consciousness before leaving the operation room or in the recovery room.

In some circumstances, "General Anaesthesia" is better than "Local Anaesthesia" in facilitating smooth running of operations.

3.

What is "Local Anaesthesia"?

"Local Anaesthesia" is commonly applied to minor operations such as ophthalmic, gynaecological or certain other minor operations.  "Local Anaesthesia" is safer than "General Anaesthesia" and other types of anaesthesia.

In "Local Anaesthesia", anaesthetist or nurse in charge will inject anaesthetic medications to the target body site of awake patients, causing anaesthesia of the injected site. The target area may be numb but patients will not enter the state of sleep.

4.

Preparation before Anaesthesia

Before the procedure, the anaesthetist will assess the health condition of the patient and the suitability of receiving ‘Monitored Anaesthetic Care’. Also, the anaesthetist will explain the risks and potential complications of anaesthesia to patient. 

Anaesthetist has to review patient’s medical history, surgical record and anaesthetic record and understand any intake of medication, allergic history, symptoms and/or diagnosis of sleep apnea of patient. Anaesthetist may examine patient before the procedure. 

The patient has to follow the preparation instructed by anaesthetist before receiving anaesthesia.  Informed consent of anaesthesia should be obtained. 

5.

On the Day of the Procedure

During the procedure, the anaesthetist will involve in the procedure to monitor the progress of anaesthesia. The anaesthetist monitors the physiological condition of patient and adjust and administer accurate dosage of anaesthetic if necessary to maintain the stability of vital signs and concious level to patient. 

6. 

Anaesthesia Care after Procedure

After the operation, the anaesthetist will awake the patient under anaesthesia to regain awareness and consciousness before leaving the operation room or in the recovery room. Patient should inform medical professionals of any discomfort for follow-up.

The anaesthetist will monitor the recovery condition of the patient from anaesthesia and ensure the patient is safe and evaluate the health condition of patient is suitable to discharge.

7.

When do patients need to be under anaesthesia?

Patients require anaesthesia while receiving screening endoscopies or any kinds of operation. Before screening endoscopy, doctor will explain preparation, procedures and risks of screening endoscopy and determine the most suitable type of anaesthesia to patients. Patient has to understand the method of anaesthetic, its process and risks before authourizing informed consent to anaesthetist. 

8.

Our operating theatre, endoscopy rooms, recovery area and recovery equipment meet the international standard while quality of anaesthetic service is as competent and safe in hospital setting.