Anaesthesia Q&A with Dr Anton Krige

Here’s a clear and direct summary of the document:

The document is a Q&A with Dr. Anton Krige, addressing concerns related to anaesthesia, surgical procedures, and pre- and post-operative care. It covers patient-specific needs, risks of medications and supplements, and recommendations to ensure a safe and comfortable surgical experience. Key topics include effective communication with medical staff, managing chronic health conditions, hospital policies on care and visitors, and the importance of disclosing all medications and supplements to healthcare providers.

Key References from the Document:

1. Stimuli Sensitivity: Patients sensitive to light and noise should inform their surgeon, pre-op clinic staff, anaesthetist, and anaesthetic nurse multiple times to ensure it is noted and accommodated.
2. Chronic Health Conditions: Persistent issues, such as a chesty cough, should be reported to the GP for investigation and potentially referred to specialists before surgery.
3. Family Care: While family members typically cannot stay outside of visiting hours on standard wards, exceptions might apply in critical care areas and should be discussed with pre-op and surgical teams.
4. Post-Surgery Care: Arrangements for post-operative care, including district nurses or home adjustments, need to be coordinated by the GP, surgeon, and pre-op team in advance.
5. Medications and Supplements: A full list of medications, vitamins, and supplements, including homeopathic remedies, should be provided to the anaesthetic team as certain substances may increase surgical risks. Specific examples include garlic, ginkgo, and St. John’s Wort, which can elevate bleeding risks or interact with anaesthesia.