Welcome to the Department of Anesthesiology

The staff at the Department of Anesthesiology wants you to get back to enjoying life again. That's why we offer such a wide range of safe and effective anesthesia techniques during surgery as well as extensive pain management services at Rush North Shore. Our expertise is unmatched on the North Shore-all of our anesthesiologists are board-certified and serve on the faculty of Rush Medical College.

For our surgical patients, we offer comprehensive pre-surgical and pre-anesthesia evaluations, particularly for those at high risk of complications. We also provide the safest anesthesia medications, the latest high-tech anesthesia equipment, and advanced techniques in our state-of-the-art operating suites.

For our inpatients, we routinely offer a variety of services, including:

• epidurals and patient-controlled analgesia after surgery, which allow patients to manage their own pain medication safely.
• intrathecal narcotics, walking epidurals, and patient-controlled analgesia to control labor pain.

For those suffering from chronic pain, we offer a variety of treatments to help them return to a normal lifestyle. These include:

• Nerve blocks
• Epidural steroid injections
• Acupuncture
• Pain medication management
• Radiofrequency thermocoagulation
• Indwelling spinal catheters.

Besides a highly trained staff and state-of-the-art anesthesia equipment and monitors, Rush North Shore offers state-of-the-art patient brain monitors in our surgical suites. These special BIS monitors prevent patient awareness during anesthesia by monitoring the brain via EEG waves. These allow our staff to safely decrease the amount of anesthesia given, without worrying about patient awareness. This has the added benefit of causing fewer side effects, such as nausea and vomiting, following surgery.

If you have any questions about our programs and services, please call the Department of Anesthesia at 847/933-6909 or Pre-Surgical Services at 847/933-6814.

Samuel M. Parnass, MD
Chairman


Pain Management
Before, During, and After Your Surgery

Pain is a very personal matter. When it comes to pain management, you are the key to getting the best relief. The doctors and nurses at Rush North Shore want to help you with your individual needs.

As you prepare for your upcoming surgery, your doctors and nurses will work with you to reduce your pain during and after surgery. We will be with you during all phases of your surgery, explaining what to expect, listening to your concerns and providing you with medication and other pain-reducing treatments, such as heat, ice and relaxation techniques, as you need them.

The Day Before Surgery
On the day before your surgery, the nurses will call you and ask you questions about your health history. These questions help to create a picture of yourself and allow your healthcare team to plan for managing your response to surgery and pain.

The nurses also will be able to answer questions you might have concerning your surgery, including when and where to check in for your procedure.

The Day of Surgery
After your initial registration, you will be transported to the preoperative area. There, a member of your anesthesia team will ask you more questions, do a physical exam, and discuss various approaches to pain management with you. This will help the team develop a pain management plan that is tailored to your needs.

After Surgery
In the recovery area, the doctors and nurses will check you frequently and ask you questions about how you feel. It is important to let us know how you are feeling.

Your doctors and nurses will ask you to rate your pain on a 10-point scale. Reporting your pain as a number helps us provide the best treatment for you, so you can recover as quickly as possible and return to your usual lifestyle.

At Home After Surgery
Once you have returned home, your surgeon will be the main person to help you manage your pain. Do not hesitate to call your surgeon if you have any questions about your recovery.

Advanced Training Programs for Medical Professionals: Anesthesiology
Through our partnership with Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, the Department of Anesthesiology at Rush North Shore offers an integrated anesthesia residency program, including a cardiac anesthesia rotation. We also offer preceptorships for medical students through Rush Medical College and a nurse anesthetist training program through the Rush College of Nursing.

For more information on our programs, please call Kim Patrick at 933-6909 or e-mail kpatrick@rsh.net.


The Pain Center
Comprehensive Pain Management

The Pain Center at Rush North Shore Medical Center has been helping inpatients and outpatients with acute and chronic pain since 1990. Our goal is to preserve your dignity while helping control your pain by using techniques that keep you clear-headed and cause fewer side effects. Using a team-based approach, we offer a thorough evaluation and treatment program for patients with:

When you first visit the Pain Center, our team will develop an individualized treatment program and consult with your primary physician. This ensures that you are getting the best care possible. In addition, Pain Center specialists are always available for consultation.

For more information, please call the Pain Center at 847/933-6974.

Peripheral Neuropathy and Neuropathic Pain
In collaboration with Rush University Medical Center and Rush Oak Park Hospital, we are proud to bring a new level of care, education and research to our patients through the newly established Jack Miller Center for the Treatment of Peripheral Neuropathy. LEARN MORE