Understanding Anesthesiology - The Global Regional Anesthesia ...

THE ROLE OF THE ANESTHESIOLOGIST
Dr. Crawford Long administered the first anesthetic using an
ether-saturated towel applied to his patient’s face on March 30,
1842, in the American state of Georgia. The surgical patient went
on to have two small tumours successfully removed from his neck.
Dr. Long received the world’s first anesthetic fee: $0.25.
Since then, the specialty of anesthesiology and the role of the anesthesiologist
has grown at a rapid pace, particularly in the last several
decades. In the operating room the anesthesiologist is responsible
for the well-being of the patient undergoing any one of the hundreds
of complex, invasive, surgical procedures being performed
today. At the same time, the anesthesiologist must ensure optimal
operating conditions for the surgeon. The development of new anesthetic
agents (both inhaled and intravenous), regional techniques,
sophisticated anesthetic machines, monitoring equipment
and airway devices has made it possible to tailor the anesthetic
technique to the individual patient.
Outside of the operating room, the anesthesiologist has a leading
role in the management of acute pain in both surgical and obstetrical
patients. As well, the anesthesiologist plays an important role
in such diverse, multidisciplinary fields as chronic pain management,
critical care and trauma resuscitation.
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