Subtitle: A Guide to Feeling Secure and Comfortable during Anesthesia and Surgery
Author: James Cottrell, M.D., with Stephanie Golden
Subject: Health and Medicine
Paper ISBN 0-8135-2878-X
Cloth ISBN 0-8135-2877-1
Pages: 256 pp., 18 b&w illus.
Description: A guide to help you understand the role of the anesthesiologist and anesthesia during surgery.

"Anesthesia is often the scariest part about surgery. Dr. Cottrell is a master of the art. I strongly recommend this highly readable, plainly spoken book to anyone about to go under the knife."-Geraldo Rivera

"This much-needed book should go a long way to relieving the apprehension and terror in patients who are fearful of surgery. That anesthesia can now safely interrupt consciousness in a far deeper way than normal sleep is a triumph of medical science, of compassion and of healing-since one fares better in surgery when not plagued by fear."-Hugh Downs

"One of the best of those masked men who puts us to 'sleep' has written a clear, compelling, and essential guide to the most critical aspect of surgery. Don't even dream of going to the hospital without this book."-Robert Lipsyte, author of In the Country of Illness

Every year, about forty million Americans require surgery. Few truly understand what happens to them during the procedure-especially what the anesthesiologist does to ensure their survival and well being. An anesthesiologist disarms your entire nervous system with the most effective drugs for your body chemistry; keeps you alive while you're subjected to manipulations that would otherwise kill you; and ensures your safe return to consciousness. Yet despite their crucial role, anesthesiologists are often the unseen doctors. Under the Mask, written by a compassionate practitioner, demystifies the surgical process with detailed information that will make you a better-informed consumer.

Part One describes the development and current scope of anesthesiology, the medications and techniques used, and what the anesthesiologist does both in and outside the operating room. It explains your-the patient's- rights and advises you how to use the preoperative consultation with the anesthesiologist to your best advantage, specifying what information you need provide and what questions you should ask.

Part Two details the most common surgical and diagnostic procedures requiring anesthesia or conscious sedation. Using clear language, it explains each procedure, the possible risks, and the choices to make if there is more than one option. It also covers the anesthesiologist's crucial role in controlling pain caused by chronic conditions. The last chapter describes the newest anesthetic and pain control techniques available.

The author also helps you understand anesthesiology within the managed care system and explains what you can expect and what to do if you aren't getting what you need. This book enables you to make informed decisions regarding surgical anesthesia and subsequent pain control within the managed care system to protect your well-being and hasten your recovery.

James Cottrell, M.D., is chair of the anesthesiology department at the SUNY Health Science Center in Brooklyn, New York. He has practiced clinical anesthesiology for nearly thirty years. Stephanie Golden is a professional medical writer.