Ensure anesthesia is delivered properly: Letter to the Editor published in Daily Herald

Illinois Society of Anesthesiologists President Brian W. Birmingham, M.D., FASA, submitted a letter to the editor to the Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, Illinois). His letter was published in the Aug. 21 issue of the newspaper. The full text can be found below:

Anesthesia and surgery, even oral, dental or other office-based surgery, have inherent risks. The American Society of Anesthesiologists and the Illinois Society of Anesthesiologists urge patients receiving any surgery to ask questions and discuss anesthesia options, including risks and benefits, with their dental and medical professional.

It is also important to know what safety protocols, equipment and qualified personnel are on hand in case of an emergency, or if higher levels of anesthesia are necessary.

When considering sedation or anesthesia, patients should ask who will be administering the drugs and providing monitoring during the procedure. It should be someone other than the person performing the procedure so that appropriate monitoring and interventions can be provided.

Ensure the person administering the anesthesia and monitoring has the appropriate education, training and experience. Physician anesthesiologists have 12 to 14 years of accredited education, including medical school, and over 12,000 hours of clinical training. Safe delivery of anesthesia with an anesthesiologist-led care team provides the highest level of expertise to ensure patient safety.

Brian W. Birmingham, M.D., FASA

President, Illinois Society of Anesthesiologists

Winnetka, Illinois