Preparing for Surgery: A Practical Checklist
Most surgery postponements happen for avoidable reasons — a missing report, an unstopped blood thinner, an unfasted stomach. Here is how to arrive ready.
Read articleAbout the Anaesthesiology department
Anaesthesiologists are present at every operation, but their work begins well before the theatre door. The pre-anaesthetic clinic assesses heart and lung fitness, diabetes control, airway anatomy, previous anaesthetic history and current medication, and it is where problems that could cause trouble during surgery are found and corrected.
During surgery, the anaesthesiologist manages the airway, breathing, circulation, depth of anaesthesia, fluids and temperature, and afterwards oversees recovery and pain relief. The department also provides sedation for endoscopy and imaging, labour analgesia, and support in emergency airway management anywhere in the hospital.
Post-operative pain control matters more than it is usually given credit for: patients whose pain is well controlled breathe better, mobilise sooner and develop fewer complications.
Conditions we treat
The presentations seen most often in this department. If your symptom is not listed, book a consultation anyway — the clinic will redirect you if another speciality fits better.
- Pre-operative fitness assessment
- General, spinal and regional anaesthesia
- Anaesthesia in high-risk patients
- Post-operative pain
- Labour analgesia
- Sedation for procedures
- Chronic pain assessment
Procedures and services
- Pre-anaesthetic evaluation clinic
- General anaesthesia
- Spinal and epidural anaesthesia
- Peripheral nerve blocks
- Painless labour (epidural analgesia)
- Procedural sedation
- Central line and arterial line placement
- Post-operative pain management
Technology and support
Equipment matters only when it is available at the moment of need. These services sit on the same campus, with laboratory and imaging cover round the clock.
- Anaesthesia workstations with monitoring
- Difficult airway equipment
- Nerve stimulator and ultrasound-guided blocks
- Post-anaesthesia care unit
When to seek urgent care
Do not wait for an outpatient appointment if any of the following applies. Call 9281862028 or come straight to the emergency department, which is open 24 hours and does not require an appointment.
- A previous bad reaction to anaesthesia in you or a blood relative
- Loose teeth, severe neck stiffness or difficulty opening the mouth
- Blood-thinning medication that has not been discussed before surgery
Frequently asked questions
Who is the best anaesthesiologist in Anantapur?
The right anaesthesiologist is the one whose experience matches your problem. At SIMS Hospital, Anantapur, anaesthesiology care is provided by Dr. A. Sanjana Reddy (Consultant Anaesthesiologist & Critical Care) and Dr. Vaddi Gowtham (Consultant Anaesthesiologist & Critical Care Specialist). Book with a consultant by name, or describe your symptoms and the appointment desk will match you to the right specialist.
Why must I fast before surgery?
A full stomach can regurgitate under anaesthesia and enter the lungs, which is dangerous. The usual instruction is no solid food for six hours and no clear fluids for two hours before the scheduled time — follow exactly what your anaesthesiologist advises.
Should I stop my regular medicines before surgery?
Some yes, some no. Blood thinners, certain diabetes medicines and a few blood pressure drugs need specific instructions. Bring your complete medicine list to the pre-anaesthetic clinic rather than deciding on your own.
