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Anesthesia
Anesthesia
Portsmouth Regional Hospital is renowned for its expertise and safety in anesthesia — at the very core of any top-notch surgery program. Our department is the largest in the Seacoast, with 8 Board Certified Anesthesiologists and 7 Certified Nurse Anesthetists.
This outstanding team makes possible the alternatives of general anesthesia, spinal and epidural anesthesia, conscious sedation, or local anesthesia. Over the past two decades, Portsmouth Regional Hospital has made significant investments in equipment, personnel and resources to ensure that our anesthesia service remains on the leading edge of clinical capabilities. We have continually led the way in both technology and patient-centered services:
- We were first in the Seacoast to guarantee the availability of round-the-clock 24/7 epidurals for maternity patients.
- We were first in New England to offer the latest technology in instrumentation and monitoring. Even before the Boston hospitals, we invested in Pulse Oximetry and End Tidal Capnometry — technologies that significantly improve patient safety.
- Pioneering advances in pain management, we introduced the use of post-surgery epidurals in joint replacement and general surgery to speed recovery and reduce complications.
- TEE (Tran Esophageal Echocardiography is an ultrasound of the heart performed during surgery. We’re the only Seacoast hospital with fellowship-trained cardiac anesthesiologists, and the only one to offer TEE.
- Our Pediatric Anesthesia Program understands the special needs of parents and children having surgery. We were first in the Seacoast to invite a parent to accompany a child into the Operating Room until the child falls asleep.
The Anesthesia Department at Portsmouth Regional Hospital is well equipped to care for your child:
- All of the members of the Anesthesia Department have had specialized training in providing anesthesia for children.
- Our anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists have safely administered anesthesia to thousands of children over the years.
Pre-Operative Interview
Your surgeon's office will arrange for you to have a pre-operative interview with a member of our anesthesia department. The purpose of this interview is to alert us to any medical condition that could influence the administration of anesthesia. We also encourage you to bring along any questions you might have about anesthesia.
Although the person who interviews you may not be performing the anesthesia, we all work together as a team and carefully review every case in the morning before surgery. In addition to this review, the professional administering your child's anesthesia will meet with you and your child before surgery. He or she will also have a complete written record of your pre-operative interview.
If your work or personal schedule does not permit you to see us before the day of surgery, we will be glad to see you and your child in the Surgical Services Short Stay Unit on the actual day of surgery. In that case, one of our staff will phone you several days before and ask a number of questions about your child's medical history. Thus, your registration will be done by phone. A member of the Anesthesia Department will then see you on the day of surgery and complete the interview in person. This option works well for many families. It is important to remember that on the day of surgery, you child can not have food or breakfast, but may have clear liquids (water, juice, soft drinks) up until two hours before the time of surgery. Please visit the Pre-Operative Instructions page of this website.
Pediatric Tour
We have made special arrangements to help your child prepare for their hospital experience. For children admitted overnight to the hospital, a tour of pediatrics is encouraged. We will be happy to arrange this for you at the time of your pre-operative interview.
Special Arrangements for Parents
On the day of surgery, we have also made special arrangements for parents. If you have any remaining questions please ask them before your child goes under anesthesia. We invite parents of children up to twelve years of age to accompany their child to the Operating room and be present until their child is asleep. This frequently helps to relax and reassure children before anesthesia begins.
Some people can be a little nervous about entering the operating suite. We want to assure you that if you choose this option, you will be present only until your child is asleep. You do not to worry about seeing anything else, much less the surgery.
We want you to know that it is very common for a child just going under anesthesia to look confused and even struggle slightly. This is normal. We will be there to help your child off to sleep.
After Surgery
After surgery is over, one of the nurses from our Post Anesthesia Care Unit (Recovery Room) will bring you to see your child.
As children wake up, they may be fussy but usually calm down quickly.
The medical equipment here can be a little intimidating, but it is all necessary to provide high quality care. If you have a question, the nurse caring for your child will be happy to help you.
For More Information
We understand that anesthesia can be a scary thing for parents and child alike. To reassure you about this aspect of your child's surgical care, please read the When your Child Need's Anesthesia page of this website.
If we can be of further assistance, please feel free to contact the Anesthesia Department at 433-4045.
Find a Physician
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John G. Antonakakis, MD
Portsmouth Anesthesia Associates
333 Borthwick Avenue
Portsmouth, NH 3801
Maps & Directions -
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Charles M. Blitzer, MD
Seacoast Orthopedics & Sports Medicine
7 Marsh Brook Drive
Somersworth, NH 3878
Maps & Directions -
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Mark J. Geppert, MD
Seacoast Orthopedics & Sports Medicine
Marsh Brook Professional Center
7 Marsh Brook Drive
Somersworth, NH 3878
Maps & Directions -
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George Lantz, DO, MBA
Interventional Spine Medicine
270 Lafayette Road
Rye, NH 03872
Maps & Directions -
Mayo A. Noerdlinger, MD
Sports Medicine Atlantic Orthopedics, PA
150 US-1 Bypass
Portsmouth, NH 03801
Maps & Directions
Locations
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Seacoast Orthopedics & Sports Medicine
Directions
Marsh Brook Professional Center
7 Marsh Brook Drive
Somersworth, NH 3878
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