Overview
The department provides anesthesia care in a timely fashion to the highest standards of quality and safety for all patients within the scope of service.
The anesthesia services include:
- Pre-anesthesia evaluation
- General anesthesia
- Loco-regional anesthesia
- Spinal anesthesia
- Epidural anesthesia
- Monitored anesthesia care
- Supervision of the Post-anesthesia care unit
Furthermore, we have a very active acute pain service and a chronic pain management program.
Mission of Department of Anesthesia
- To provide the National Guard and eligible dependents with the highest standard of care.
- To promote medical education and training of the next generation of competent anesthesiologists.
- To promote research that may ultimately lead to improved patient care in the field of anesthesiology.
Vision of Department of Anesthesia
- HRO Recognized Center
- Use of leading technology operated by qualified professionals with collaborative team spirit in a teaching institution.
Department Capacity
Peri-Operative Areas: More than 20,000 procedures per year
King Abdulaziz Medical City Pre-Anesthesia Clinic: More than 800 patients per month
King Abdullah Specialized Children Hospital Transplant Clinic: On average 45 patients per month
Pain Clinic: More than 600 patients per month
Leadership
Dr. Mohamed Al Harbi
Chairman
Dr. Salah Al Shaghroud
Deputy Chairman and Local Anesthesia Division Head
Dr. Nasser Tawfeeq
Obstetric Anesthesia Division Head
Dr. Sultan Al Obaikan
Chronic Pain Management Division Head
Dr. Bader Al Babtain
Perioperative Anesthesia Division Head
Dr. Abdulrazak Sibai
Organ Transplant Anesthesiology Division Head
Educational and Clinical Programs in Anesthesia
Education and Training Programs
- Residency Program in Anesthesia – Dr. Bader Al Babtean
- Fellowship Program in Pain Management – Dr. Sultan Al Obaikan
- Fellowship Program in Obstetric Anesthesia – Dr. Nasser Tawfeeq
- Fellowship Program in Local Anesthesia – Dr. Salah Al Shaqhroud
Clinical Programs
- Anesthesia Technology Program – Dr. Mohammed Khulaif Al Harbi (Director)
Standing Courses and Workshops
- Adult Moderate Sedation and Analgesia Course
- Pediatric Moderate Sedation and Analgesia Course
- Ultrasound Guided Local Anesthesia Course
Dr. Mohammed Khulaif Al Harbi – Chairman, Moderate Sedation and Analgesia Courses
Divisions
Division of Local Anesthesia
Local Anesthesia has been a growing subspecialty in recent years, especially with the use of ultrasound, which allows easy localization of target nerves.
The division focuses on:
- Enhancing the acute pain service and improving patient experience postoperatively. This includes peripheral nerve block catheters, which control the nerve supply of the operated site. Regional anesthesia is also utilized for patients who cannot tolerate general anesthesia for medical reasons.
- Highlighting the advantages of regional anesthesia, such as improving patient satisfaction, reducing hospital stay, and enhancing early ambulation, leading to better recovery after surgery.
- Conducting yearly workshops to disseminate knowledge and experience at the national level.
Obstetric Anesthesia
Division Objectives
- Provide anesthesia services for pregnant women with high or acute risks, including consultations and various types of epidural pain control.
- Offer medical education to residents, medical students, and anesthesia technologists.
- Coordinate care for high-risk obstetric patients in partnership with the Obstetrics Department.
Pain Management
Our vision combines pain medicine, education, and research to relieve pain-related suffering. Chronic pain is one of the most common reasons adults seek medical care. It has been linked to restrictions in mobility and daily activities, dependence on opioids, anxiety, depression, and poor perceived health or reduced quality of life.
Perioperative Medicine
Perioperative medicine aims to deliver the best possible care to surgery patients. This includes pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative care. The aim is achieved by refining existing care pathways and developing new ones.
The goal is to improve patient experience, reduce post-operative complications, shorten inpatient hospital stays, and minimize early re-admissions following surgery.
Benefits of Perioperative Systems
- Increased surgical volume and flow
- Shorter pre-operative length of stay
- Fewer cancellations of surgery
- Relative reduction in the number and cost of pre-operative investigations
- Improved long-term patient outcomes after surgery
Division of Transplant Anesthesia
- The division provides high-quality perioperative anesthetic care for patients undergoing liver transplants, kidney transplants, and other major hepatobiliary surgeries. Care is provided for both organ transplant recipients and donors, covering anesthetic and perioperative needs.
- The division is actively involved in the selection and preoperative evaluation of transplant recipients, particularly liver recipients.
- Full 24/7 anesthesia coverage is provided with two teams, each consisting of a consultant and assistants, for liver and kidney cadaveric donor transplants.
- The division also participates in the anesthesia residency teaching program, offering academic training for senior anesthesia residents from the National Guard residency program and external rotations.
Anesthesia Technology Services
- Provide leading technology operated by qualified professionals with collaborative support.
- Maintain a high standard of anesthesiologists’ support.
- Ensure environmental safety in all anesthesia practices.