Meet the Anesthesiology Team
Get to know the anesthesiology specialists who will be involved in treating you.
Anesthesiology at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital–Needham
For surgeries and other procedures, you may need anesthesia. Under careful guidance, anesthesia keeps you safe and comfortable while receiving care.
The Beth Israel Deaconess Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine at BID Needham strives to offer superior anesthesia care. Our team includes:
- Anesthesiologists
- Pain management specialists
- Pediatric anesthesiologists
Our anesthesiologists also work at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC). That means you’ll receive the same level of high-quality care at BID Needham that you’d expect at a major medical center.
Types of Anesthesia
Our team offers different types of anesthesia to meet each patient’s unique needs.
General Anesthesia
General anesthesia is used to sedate you, or help you sleep, during major procedures. It’s most often used during major surgical procedures. After your procedure, you’ll wake up in a recovery room. Our team will monitor you and offer any medications, such as pain or anti-nausea medication.
Monitored anesthesia care (MAC) is a type of general anesthesia that does not require complete sedation. If you receive MAC for your procedure, you will be awake. An anesthesiologist will be there to monitor you at all times.
Regional Anesthesia
Regional anesthesia, or nerve block, is used to provide pain relief to certain areas of the body. You remain awake during regional anesthesia. Examples of regional anesthesia include:
Spinal anesthesia
Spinal anesthesia causes numbness from the waist down. It is most commonly used in joint replacement surgeries and pelvic surgeries.
Epidural anesthesia
An epidural provides pain relief along the torso. It is sometimes used in abdominal and chest surgeries, as well as during childbirth.
Peripheral nerve block
Peripheral nerve block reduces pain in a specific area. It also reduces the chance for nausea and vomiting. Nerve blocks are most commonly used in orthopedic surgeries.
Local Anesthesia
Local anesthesia is used to numb certain areas of the body for minor procedures. You can usually leave the doctor’s office the same day.
Preparing for Anesthesia
At BID Needham, we strive to ensure you receive quality, safe care. Here are some things to keep in mind before receiving anesthesia.
What is Pre-Anesthesia Testing?
Pre-anesthesia testing is done before a procedure that requires general anesthesia. The goal is to make sure you are healthy enough for anesthesia. Our staff will reach out by phone or ask to meet you in person.
Pre-anesthesia testing may include:
- Reviewing any allergies.
- Drawing blood to test.
- Asking questions about your personal or family medical history.
- Reviewing medications you have taken or currently take.
- Discussing previous surgeries.
Can I eat or drink before receiving anesthesia?
General anesthesia reduces your ability to cough and swallow. This puts you at risk for inhaling stomach contents, which can cause a lung infection. You should avoid eating or drinking for at least eight hours before anesthesia. That way, your stomach remains empty and you minimize these risks.
Should I take my medications before anesthesia?
Your team will tell you which medications you can or can’t take before receiving anesthesia. If you are instructed to continue a certain medication, take it with only a small sip of water.
Services & Specialties
Our anesthesiologists support these and other specialties:
