By Aqsa Mustajer, BS AHS (Anesthesia Technology), Department of MLT, Haripur, KPK, Pakistan.
Supervised by: Samsaam Fazal, MS-AHS
Affiliation: The University of Haripur
The last century has seen many advances in modern medicine, but very few can compare to the ingenuity that led to the creation of anesthetics. Before this innovation, surgery could not have taken place without harming the patient because this procedure was traumatic and life-threatening to many people. Indeed, anesthesia is one of the best advances that have occurred in the field of medicine. Initially, in the history of surgery, patients were conscious throughout the operation. Pain control was either in the form of alcohol or herbs or restraints. patients shunned the idea of undergoing even a life-saving operation. The invention of anesthesia in the 19th century was a significant development in the aspect of surgery.
Anesthesia refers to the branch of medicine where the relief of pain, sedation, and conservation of vital functions pertaining to surgery are practiced. It offers the patient undergoing surgery the ability to carry out the process without experiencing pain, fear, or discomfort. The availability of the branch of medicine known as anesthesia has made it possible to carry out surgical operations. Operations such as heart surgery, transferring organs from the donor to the patient, operations pertaining to cancer, and orthopedic operations cannot take place without the involvement of anesthesia.
Though anesthesia is safe, it is feared and misunderstood to some extent. The patient might be fearful of never awakening or being conscious during surgery. Today anesthesia is safer compared to before. Not much concern is taken when using anesthesia today compared to before because anesthesia is safer at this point in time compared to before.
Not all medical practitioners are prepared to deal with anesthesia. Supporting each successful surgery are anesthesiologists and anesthesia technologist who work hard to evaluate patients pre, intra-surgery and give care post-surgery when relief from pain is necessary. They are involved in activities before and in addition to surgery. Despite their significance and contributions, the field of anesthesia tends to go unnoticed. The need to improve and appreciate the field of anesthesia is important in improving the quality of healthcare.
The greatest revolutions in the history of surgically related medical practices include the discovery of anesthetic agents, which have transformed the character of surgical practices from painful to painless, safe, and controlled. It not only guaranteed the success of surgically related practices but restored dignity and hope to those who had to go through the process. As we appreciate and are cognizant of the developments in the medical sector, we should not ignore the significance of anesthetic aspects.
