Anaesthesiology & Intensive Care Unit

Anaesthesiology is the medical specialty focused on pain control, sedation, and vital function management during surgical and diagnostic procedures.

Key roles explained:

• Pain Management: Ensures patients feel no pain during and after procedures. 
• Sedation & Anaesthesia: Administers local, regional, or general anaesthesia safely. 
• Vital Monitoring: Tracks heart rate, oxygen levels, blood pressure, and breathing continuously. 
• Risk Assessment: Evaluates medical history to prevent complications. 
• Post-Procedure Care: Manages recovery and pain after surgery.
  

Different procedures require different anaesthesia techniques, chosen based on patient safety and comfort.

Common types with explanations:

• General Anaesthesia: Patient is fully unconscious during major surgeries. 
• Regional Anaesthesia: Numbs a large body area (spinal or epidural blocks). 
• Local Anaesthesia: Numbs a small, specific area for minor procedures. 
• Sedation (MAC): Keeps patients relaxed and pain-free while awake. 
• Paediatric Anaesthesia: Specialised care tailored for infants and children.
  

The ICU is designed for patients who need constant monitoring and advanced life support.

What ICU care includes:

• 24/7 Monitoring: Continuous tracking of vital signs and organ function. 
• Ventilator Support: Assists or controls breathing in critical conditions. 
• Multi-Organ Care: Manages heart, lungs, kidneys, and brain simultaneously. 
• Emergency Response: Immediate intervention during sudden deterioration. 
• Specialist-Led Care: Managed by trained intensivists and critical care nurses. 

• ICUs handle complex, life-threatening medical and surgical conditions.Common ICU admissions explained:
  • Severe Infections & Sepsis: Intensive antibiotics and organ support. 
  • Post-Major Surgery Care: Close monitoring after high-risk operations. 
  • Respiratory Failure: Ventilator and oxygen-based support. 
  • Cardiac Emergencies: Heart attacks, arrhythmias, and shock. 
  • Neurological Emergencies: Stroke, head injury, and coma care. 

Technology is non-negotiable in critical care—it saves time and lives.

Key technologies used:

• Advanced Patient Monitors: Real-time vitals and alarms. 
• Modern Anaesthesia Workstations: Precise drug delivery and ventilation. 
• Infusion Pumps: Accurate medication and fluid control. 
• Point-of-Care Testing: Fast blood gas and electrolyte analysis. 

Infection-Controlled ICU Design: Reduced risk of hospital-acquired infections.

Safety is the top priority in Anaesthesiology and ICU services.

Safety measures explained:

• Pre-Anaesthesia Evaluation: Identifies risks before procedures. 
• Standardised Checklists: Prevents errors during surgery and ICU care. 
• Sterile Protocols: Minimises infection risk. 
• Drug Safety Systems: Avoids dosing errors. 
• Continuous Staff Training: Keeps teams updated on best practices. 

Critical care works best when specialists collaborate.

Team-based care includes:

• Anaesthesiologists: Manage pain, sedation, and airway. 
• Intensivists: Lead ICU treatment decisions. 
• Surgeons & Physicians: Coordinate primary treatment plans. 
• Critical Care Nurses: Provide minute-to-minute patient care. 
• Physiotherapists & Nutritionists: Support recovery and rehabilitation. 

Preparation improves safety and outcomes.

Before anaesthesia or ICU admission:

• Share complete medical history and medications. 
• Follow fasting instructions strictly. 
• Inform doctors about allergies or past anaesthesia reactions. 
• Avoid smoking and alcohol before surgery. 
• Clarify post-procedure recovery expectations. 

Post-procedure care is just as important as treatment.

After anaesthesia or ICU stay:

• Expect close monitoring during recovery. 
• Follow pain management and medication advice. 
• Resume diet and activity gradually as instructed. 
• Attend follow-up appointments without delay. 
• Watch for warning signs like breathlessness or fever. 

This department often determines survival and recovery.

Its impact explained:

• Enables safe, pain-free surgeries. 
• Prevents complications during critical illness. 
• Supports faster, safer recovery. 
• Manages emergencies with precision. 
• Provides reassurance during high-risk situations. 

Anaesthesiology & Intensive Care Unit services are the foundation of advanced hospital care, handling moments when precision truly matters. From safe anaesthesia delivery to continuous ICU monitoring, this department protects patients during surgery, trauma, and life-threatening illness. At MAHI Hospitals, expert anaesthesiologists, intensivists, and critical care teams work together using modern technology and evidence-based protocols to ensure patient safety, comfort, and recovery. It’s not just about treatment—it’s about trust, timing, and delivering care when every second counts.