General anaesthesia

A few words about general anaesthesia

It is necessary that major, larger and more painful surgeries are carried out under general anaesthesia. It is the state of total desensitization of the body and controlled loss of consciousness and suppression of reflex answer to pain. During operations, general anaesthesia, referred to as TIVA, is applied. It means that all the substances and anaesthetics are administered exclusively intravenously. Before the operation, the anaesthesiologist introduces a special plastic cannula into the patient’s vena on the forearm and all the substances, including the needed infusion, are applied through it. So the patient is pricked only once. The patient falls asleep with a smile at the initial part of anaesthesia, then he/she is operated and about 15 minutes after the operation, he/she regains consciousness. Our unit is equipped with a complete anaesthesiologic instrument, ECG monitor, pulse oxymeter and defibrillator. In the course of operation, the anaesthesiologist monitors the patient’s blood pressure, ECG, pulse and respiration frequency and oxygenation of blood with oxygen. These are the most important parameters of vitally important functions. One hour after the termination of the operation, the patient is capable of walking and may be discharged to home care if accompanied and instructed. After some major surgeries, the patient is generally hospitalized at our unit for 24 hours. Naturally, just like all other medical operations, general anaesthesia has its risks too. These are decrease in blood pressure, weakness after the operation, nausea and possible allergic reactions. A profound pre-operation examination and the administration of special substances allow the reduction of these complications nearly to zero. It is recommended to have an internal pre-operation examination before the application of general anaesthesia. The patient should not drink and eat for a minimum of 6 hours before the surgery. Smokers should limit or exclude smoking during the day of operation. Right before the surgery, you undergo a pre-anaesthesic examination by filling out a questionnaire and you meet the anaesthesiologist. Our anaesthesiologist is MUDr. Ján Švehlík licensed by the Ministry of Health of the Slovak Republic. He has been working in this field for about 30 years and was successful while working abroad too.

PAIN MANAGEMENT

We focus on pains of the spine. Currently, they belong to the most common civilization diseases. Though they do not threaten the patient’s life, they do affect its quality. Treatment is carried out with a special anaesthesiologic technique using mixtures of anaesthetic and anti-inflammatory drugs. Their specific combination markedly increases their effect. They are applied with a very thin needle to the place of most intense pain. The efficiency of this treatment is nearly 100 % after three recommended doses.

Brain damages in children:
Inspired by the model and experience of well-known units, like Dr. Neubauer’s unit in Florida, USA, we started the treatment of brain damages in children. The therapy is carried out in close cooperation with experts in paediatrics, children neurology, orthopedy and rehabilitation. We have had positive results with children with polyomyelitis and also with children with brain damage resulting from accidents. Treatment of these patients is long, complex but the results are very promising and encouraging.

Healing of wounds after plastic surgeries:
Hyperbaric oxygenotherapy has a very remarked and easily provable effect on wounds after surgeries. HBO accelerates the process of healing with its versatile effects, support the creation of new vessels and also influences the formation of a less visible scar what is very significant in plastic surgery. Some patients even experienced the ease of post-operation pains after one single exposition.