World Anaesthesia Day is celebrated on October 16 each year to commemorate the first successful demonstration of diethyl ether anesthesia by William TG Morton on October 16, 1846. This groundbreaking discovery revolutionized medicine and made surgery possible for millions of people around the world.
Today, anesthesia is a safe and effective way to manage pain and discomfort during surgery and other medical procedures. Anesthesiologists are highly trained physicians who specialize in the administration of anesthesia and the care of patients undergoing surgery.
World Anaesthesia Day is an opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of anesthesia and to celebrate the contributions of anesthesiologists to patient care. It is also a day to reflect on the progress that has been made in anesthesia care and to look forward to the future of this vital medical specialty.
World Anaesthesia Day 2023: Theme
In 2023, the annual theme is “Anaesthesia and Cancer Care.”
This year, experts are highlighting the vital role of anaesthesia in managing cancer and advocating for better anaesthesia services to improve outcomes for cancer patients. The World Federation of Societies of Anesthesiologists (WFSA) is organising various cancer care initiatives, including webinars, fact sheets, and resource pages to spread awareness and knowledge.
World Anaesthesia Day: History
On October 16, 1846, Dr. William T. G. Morton made history by using ether as anaesthesia during surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital. This was the first time a patient underwent surgery without feeling any pain. It marked the start of using ether for surgeries, showing it was effective and emphasising the importance of the right anaesthesia dose for safe practice. Dr. Morton is seen as a pioneer in modern anaesthesia.
World Anaesthesia Day: Significance
World Anaesthesia Day is a reminder of how much we have improved in medicine, especially in using anaesthesia to make patients more comfortable during medical procedures. The day also helps people learn about anaesthesia and its vital role, making sure both the public and medical professionals understand its importance.
We also take this day to thank and honour anesthesiologists, anaesthetic nurses, and healthcare workers for their hard work in giving safe and effective anaesthesia to patients, making surgeries and treatments better for everyone.
How did ether change surgery?
Ether was discovered in 1540 by Valerius Cordus, a botanist. It was used as a medicine for about 200 years before being used in surgery. People would take it to help with spasms or convulsions. However, it became a game-changer when it was used as the first anaesthesia in surgery. Before ether, Doctors rarely did deep surgeries and usually only performed amputations. People would only choose surgery as a last resort.
After Dr. Morton’s discovery, ether quickly became the main anaesthesia in the USA and Europe. The U.S. Army adopted ether in 1849 and used it in wars. Around 1847, chloroform was also found, and both became popular anaesthetics, making surgery less painful and easier.
To administer ether, a cloth soaked in ether was initially placed over a patient’s mouth and nose.
In Morton’s 1846 demonstration, he used a glass globe with ether-soaked sponge. Patients inhaled the vapours through a spout. Dr. John Snow later invented an inhaler for better ether control in 1847, improving safety and efficiency during surgeries, according to the Historical Medical Library.
World Anaesthesia Day 2023: How to Celebrate
- Learn more about the history of anesthesia and the role of anesthesiologists in patient care.
- Talk to your doctor or anesthesiologist about anesthesia and what to expect if you are scheduled for surgery or another procedure.
- Donate to a charity that supports research in anesthesia or that provides anesthesia services to people in need.
- Share your appreciation for anesthesiologists on social media using the hashtag #WorldAnaesthesiaDay.
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