Anesthesia for open or surgical arthroscopic procedures on humeral head and neck, sternoclavicular joint, acromioclavicular joint, and shoulder joint; not otherwise specified
CPT4 code
Name of the Procedure:
Anesthesia for Open or Surgical Arthroscopic Procedures on Humeral Head and Neck, Sternoclavicular Joint, Acromioclavicular Joint, and Shoulder Joint; Not Otherwise Specified (NOS)
Summary
This procedure involves administering anesthesia to patients undergoing open or surgical arthroscopic operations on various parts of the shoulder, including the humeral head and neck, sternoclavicular joint, acromioclavicular joint, and shoulder joint. The anesthesia ensures the patient does not feel pain during the surgery.
Purpose
The primary purpose is to alleviate pain during shoulder surgeries, allowing surgeons to conduct repairs or adjustments without causing discomfort to the patient. Anesthesia provides a pain-free experience and aids in the smooth completion of complex surgical procedures.
Indications
- Severe shoulder pain or dysfunction.
- Shoulder injuries or conditions requiring surgical intervention.
- Patients requiring diagnostic arthroscopy.
- Conditions like torn rotator cuffs, arthritis, or shoulder dislocations.
Preparation
- Fasting for 6-8 hours prior to the procedure.
- Adjustments or cessation of certain medications as advised by the physician.
- Preoperative diagnostic tests like blood work, ECG, and imaging studies.
- Detailed medical history review and anesthesia consultation.
Procedure Description
- The patient is taken to the operating room and positioned appropriately.
- Vital signs are monitored, and an IV line is established for administering medications.
- The anesthesiologist administers general, regional, or local anesthesia based on the surgery and patient's condition.
- Continuous monitoring of the patient’s vital signs throughout the procedure.
- If necessary, adjustments to anesthesia levels are made.
Tools and Equipment:
- Anesthesia machines
- Monitoring equipment
- IV cannulas and medications
Duration
Anesthesia administration typically takes 15-30 minutes, but the total duration depends on the length of the surgical procedure.
Setting
The procedure is performed in a hospital, outpatient clinic, or a surgical center equipped with necessary anesthesia and surgical facilities.
Personnel
- Anesthesiologist
- Anesthesia nurse
- Surgeon
- Surgical nursing staff
Risks and Complications
- Common: Nausea, vomiting, sore throat (if intubated), dizziness.
- Rare: Allergic reactions, difficulty breathing, heart complications, nerve damage.
- Management: Postoperative monitoring and immediate intervention if complications arise.
Benefits
- Pain-free surgical experience.
- Enhanced comfort during and after the procedure.
- Facilitation of precise and effective surgical interventions, improving outcomes.
Recovery
- Patients are moved to a recovery area for monitoring until anesthesia effects wear off.
- Post-procedure pain management with medications.
- Instructions on wound care, activity restrictions, and follow-up appointments.
- Generally, recovery from anesthesia takes several hours; full surgical recovery varies over weeks to months.
Alternatives
Other anesthesia options may include:
- Local anesthesia with sedation.
- Regional block anesthesia. The choice depends on patient health, surgery complexity, and preference. Non-surgical alternatives to the procedures may include physical therapy, medications, and lifestyle changes but with varying efficacy.
Patient Experience
- Initially, patients may feel drowsy or disoriented as they wake from anesthesia.
- Mild soreness at the IV site or throat discomfort if intubated.
- Pain management will be a priority post-surgery, and comfort measures like ice packs or positioning aids may be used.