Anesthesiologist Consultation: What You Need to Know Before Surgery
What is an anesthesiologist consultation?
An anesthesiologist consultation is an essential preparation step before any surgery or invasive procedure involving anesthesia. Its purpose is to assess the patient’s overall health, choose the most suitable type of anesthesia, and minimize risks during the operation.
This consultation is mandatory before planned surgeries and is typically conducted in hospitals, private clinics, or day surgery centers.
Dr. Jānis Margevičus
What does an anesthesiologist do?
An anesthesiologist is a doctor specialized in pain management and anesthesia. During the consultation, they:
- Review the patient’s medical history
- Assess heart, lung, kidney, and liver function
- Analyze past anesthesia experiences and side effects
- Evaluate allergies, medications, and lifestyle factors
- Provide recommendations for preoperative preparation
- Explain anesthesia risks and potential side effects
How does the consultation proceed?
A typical consultation lasts about 20 minutes and includes:
- Medical history review – diseases, allergies, medications, previous surgeries
- Physical examination – blood pressure, oral cavity check, BMI measurement
- Additional tests – blood work, EKG, chest X-ray, or spirometry
- Discussion – explanation of anesthesia type and answers to patient questions
Types of anesthesia
The anesthesiologist selects the most suitable anesthesia based on the procedure and patient health:
- General anesthesia – complete unconsciousness during surgery
- Regional anesthesia – pain block in a specific area of the body (e.g., spinal anesthesia for C-section)
- Sedation – intravenous sedatives while keeping the patient conscious
Common risks and side effects
While modern anesthesia is generally safe, some risks exist:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache or dizziness
- Allergic reactions
- Respiratory issues (rare)
- Heart rhythm changes
- Temporary post-operative consciousness changes
An anesthesiologist carefully evaluates all factors to minimize the risk of complications.
How to prepare for the consultation?
Patients should bring:
- Records from previous surgeries
- List of daily medications (with dosages)
- Information about allergies and chronic diseases
- Recent lab or EKG results
Frequently asked questions
Is the consultation mandatory before surgery?
Yes, it is an essential safety step to prevent complications.
Can I choose the type of anesthesia myself?
Patient preferences are considered, but the anesthesiologist makes the final decision based on medical criteria.
Cost of anesthesiologist consultation
At “Republikas laukuma klīnika,” patients can:
- Submit laboratory tests
- Undergo an electrocardiogram (EKG)
- Perform spirometry tests
Anesthesiologist Consultation Costs:
- Consultation only: €60.00
- Preoperative tests with consultation: €160.00
