Anaesthesia

Mediclinic Dubai Mall offers a day surgery service in a dedicated unit which can accommodate up to 20 patients per day.  The unit comprises:

• Seven patient beds including one dedicated ICU bed
• Two endoscopy suites
• One fully equipped operating room 
• Two minor treatment rooms for local procedures 
• Pre-operative admission area (pre/post op areas)
• Recovery room
• Comfortable and large waiting area
• Comprehensive diagnostic suite, including MRI, CT, x-ray and mammography 

The doctors and surgeons who undertake procedures in the day surgery unit are supported by:

• Full anaesthetic support 
• One head nurse 
• Three dedicated scrub nurses
• Two anaesthesia and recovery nurses
• Three endoscopy nurses
• Two reception nurses (ICU background)
• Dedicated booking coordinator (with nursing background)

The day surgery unit is open from 8am to 8.30pm and accepts bookings for procedures between 8.30am and 5pm. 

What is anaesthesia?
Anaesthesia is a carefully controlled and supervised state, which allows surgery to be performed painlessly. It is more than “being put to sleep”. The anaesthetist has at all time information about your vital constants (oxygen in your blood, your heart rate or your blood pressure) and the level of unconsciousness.

Who is your anaesthetist?
Your anaesthetist is a fully trained, medically qualified doctor who has chosen to specialise in Anaesthesia.

What types of anaesthesia are available?
There are four main types of anaesthesia:

• General anaesthesia
• Deep sedation
• Conscious sedation
• Regional anaesthesia
• Local anaesthesia

What is day-case or ambulatory surgery?
This means that you are admitted, have your operation and are discharged on  the same day.

Day-case surgery is more frequent nowadays than inpatient surgery because it is more convenient for the patient and it is safer. It reduces cross-infections, formation of clots in your blood and facilitates a speedy return to your normal routines.

However, it requires some planning. You may come into hospital by car, taxi or metro, but you should not drive back home or travel without being accompanied by someone. Preferably, you should not be at home alone after the operation. Although most of the effects of the drugs given to you during the operation will be out of your system when discharged, you may feel a little out of sorts. We advise you to have a responsible adult with you should you experience any fainting or nausea. We will give you instructions and a number to call if this happens to you.

Are you worried about the anaesthesia?
Don’t worry, you are not alone, most people are. This is due to a lack of understanding of anaesthesia. Anaesthesia has come a long way since its inception, and it is a very safe medical intervention. We don’t normally worry about scuba-diving or driving in Dubai, yet these activities are more risky than having an anaesthetic. The majority of side-effects are minor and short-lived, like nausea or vomiting, feeling groggy and throat pain. These can be managed with adequate information and medication.