Anaesthesiologist – Intensive care specialist

Anesthesiologist – Intensive care specialist consultation

The anesthesiologist – intensive care specialist consultation is an essential step before surgery, ensuring safe and effective anesthesia planning and administration, taking into account the patient’s individual needs and health status. This consultation is especially necessary for patients scheduled for surgical procedures or diagnostic examinations performed under general or regional anaesthesia.

During the consultation, the anesthesiologist carefully evaluates the patient’s health status, medical history, and test results, while also considering the type and specifics of the planned surgery. The most appropriate anesthesia method is determined by assessing the risks of anesthesia and potential complications. The doctor provides detailed information about the various types of anesthesia, their benefits, risks, and the post-anesthesia period, discussing all possible questions, solutions, and preparation steps.

Additionally, during the consultation, recommendations are provided to the primary care physician regarding the patient’s preparation for the planned surgery, including necessary tests and procedures. If the patient has chronic illnesses or requires special medical management, the anesthesiologist may suggest consultations with other specialists to ensure the highest level of safety during the operation.

Preparation for the consultation.

The patient must be prepared to provide information about all medications they are currently taking. They should bring valid laboratory test results (tests are valid for 14 days) as well as discharge summaries from the hospital, if available.

The list of laboratory tests needed.

Base tests:

• Blood type, Rh factor;
• Complete blood count;
• Biochemical blood tests:
  • Liver function tests (ALT, AST, bilirubin) – to assess liver condition and ability to metabolize medications;
  • Kidney function markers (creatinine, urea, GFR) – to evaluate kidney function and ability to excrete medications;
  • Glucose – for diabetes diagnosis and glucose level monitoring;
  • Electrolytes (especially Na, K, Ca) – electrolyte balance is important for normal heart and muscle function;
  • C-reactive protein – to detect presence of inflammation or infection.

Additionally, depending on the patient’s specific condition:

• Coagulation tests (INR, prothrombin time, APTT) – especially relevant for patients taking blood-thinning medications.
• D-dimers – to assess the risk of thrombosis, particularly if the patient has a history of thrombosis or is at risk.

If the patient has a previously diagnosed lung disease, a chest X-ray is required.

An anesthesiologist consultation is essential for successful surgery preparation and safe procedure execution, so it is important to schedule it in advance and carefully follow all recommendations.