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This is in response to 'Anaesthesia: symbol of humanitarianism'. It
is very intresting to see how anaesthesia has evolved in underdeveloped
world. In many parts of the world the ether inhalers used in history by
the forefathers of anaesthesia are still in use.
On one side we have ultramodern anaesthetic delivering systems
equiped with computerised monitoring. On the other hand we still have the
metal pot filled with ether and ether delivered via a set of tubings and
mask.
Dissemination of knowledge by means of journals, internet, overseas
training of doctors from underdeveloped world is helping to modernise
anaesthesia worlwide. The anaesthetists are taking over the role as
intensivists, pain physicians, acute physicians and also contributing
significantly to overall healthcare. About two-third of hospital in-
patients have anaesthetic input at some point of their hospital stay.
In future, the field of anaesthesia will further extend to more and
more areas including emergency imaging, invasive cardiological &
airway interventions, medical emergency departments. Also with continuing
improvements in technology and training more complex anaesthetc procedures
will surely become very safe as has become the ultrasound guided central
venous access, video guided airway inerventions and complex nerve blocks.
Thank you so much to have this opportunity to respond to the article.
I am disappointed that the BMJ did not call upon a
physician for the appraisal of an(a)esthesia. Ideally the message might
have also praised the collateral medical miracles stimulated and
necessitated by the existence of anesthesia, and the civilizing effect on
Society brought about by the availability of these measures. These would
include, but are not limited to: CPR; Critical Care Medicine; Critical
Care Ventilators and Life Support; the enablement of surgical invasion of
the peritoneum, pleura, and cranium; and a miriad of effective pain
control procedures.
Competing interests:
I have been an anesthesiologist for 48 years.
Anaesthesia: milestone in medicine in developing world.
Dear Editor,
This is in response to 'Anaesthesia: symbol of humanitarianism'. It
is very intresting to see how anaesthesia has evolved in underdeveloped
world. In many parts of the world the ether inhalers used in history by
the forefathers of anaesthesia are still in use.
On one side we have ultramodern anaesthetic delivering systems
equiped with computerised monitoring. On the other hand we still have the
metal pot filled with ether and ether delivered via a set of tubings and
mask.
Dissemination of knowledge by means of journals, internet, overseas
training of doctors from underdeveloped world is helping to modernise
anaesthesia worlwide. The anaesthetists are taking over the role as
intensivists, pain physicians, acute physicians and also contributing
significantly to overall healthcare. About two-third of hospital in-
patients have anaesthetic input at some point of their hospital stay.
In future, the field of anaesthesia will further extend to more and
more areas including emergency imaging, invasive cardiological &
airway interventions, medical emergency departments. Also with continuing
improvements in technology and training more complex anaesthetc procedures
will surely become very safe as has become the ultrasound guided central
venous access, video guided airway inerventions and complex nerve blocks.
Thank you so much to have this opportunity to respond to the article.
Competing interests:
None declared
Competing interests: No competing interests