Challenges in orthopedic surgery: an anesthesiologist’s perspective

Abstract

Orthopedic patients are different from general surgical patients in many aspects; just consider the age factor, as most of these patients report to the treating facility with age specific diseases. The patient concerns are also age specific, ranging from fear of being isolated from the parents, to pain and immobilization and even death. Both, the surgeon and the anesthesiologist have to deal with these concerns. Every age group also comes with its associated comorbid conditions and diseases. Here, it is mainly the anesthesiologist who has to face the music. Old patients have special problems related to comorbid conditions, e.g. hypertension, diabetes, heart disease and lung disease and poly-drug therapy, just to mention few. Perioperative optimization of these patients tests the professional competence of the anesthesiologists. The choice of anesthesia and successful management of perioperative complications will decide the fate of the patient. Regardless of the age, good postoperative nursing care and adequate pain relief will hasten recovery and reduce hospital stay.

Key words: Orthopedic surgery; Child; Neonate; Geriatric patient; Anesthesiologist; Spinal anesthesia; General anesthesia; Epidural anesthesia; Perioperative complications

Citation: Khatri MY. Challenges in orthopedic surgery: an anesthesiologist’s perspective. Anaesth Pain & Intensive Care 2016;20(3):255-258

Received: 13 July 2016; Reviewed: 23 August 2016; Corrected: 2 September 2016; Accepted; 3 September 2016