EXPERT
Dr. Bernard Wittels, M.D., PH.D.
Anesthesiologist
Dr. Bernard Wittels is an anesthesiologist practicing in Evanston, IL. Dr. Wittels ensures the safety of patients who are about to undergo surgery. Anestesiologists specialize in general anesthesia, which will (put the patient to sleep), sedation, which will calm the patient or make him or her unaware of the situation, and regional anesthesia, which just numbs a specific part of the body. As an anesthesiologist, Dr. Wittels also might help manage pain after an operation.
39 years
Experience
Dr. Bernard Wittels, M.D., PH.D.
- Evanston, IL
- University Of Chicago Div Of Bio Sci Pritzker School Of Medicine
- Accepting new patients
The Silent Killer
She moves in a stealthy manner, makes no sounds, emits no scent, you insist that you don’t know her and you have no reason to be suspicious of anything. Who is this sly culprit?...
Pain-Free Labor and Delivery
Many pregnant women near their delivery date have preconceived notions about the management of their labor and delivery. Some plan a “natural” delivery, some want only intravenous...
Fear of local anaesthetic allergy
Close to zero risk.
What precautions does an anesthesiologist take for a blood pressure patient?
Hypertension is a common disease that anesthesiologists treat.
How long does anesthesia last?
That depends on the local anesthetic given and the time of administration. Typically, the numbness persists for several hours after surgery.
Will my holistic medicine react with anesthesia?
Tell your anesthesiologist all the medications and herbs you are taking and your anesthesiologist will discuss the risks.
Can anaesthesia for a patient who is on sleeping medicines be dangerous?
There is a possible additive interaction with anesthesia medications, so your father may find it difficult to awaken after general anesthesia or may be sleepy after awakening.
What can I do for the back pain that has started two years after my C-section?
No epidural anesthetic causes sudden pain 2 years later. Look for other causes.
Are there precautions associated with giving anesthesia for diabetic patients?
Control of blood glucose is the main concern of the care of diabetic patients. Anesthesiologists and nurses will continue to monitor the diabetic patient's blood glucose before, READ MORE
Control of blood glucose is the main concern of the care of diabetic patients. Anesthesiologists and nurses will continue to monitor the diabetic patient's blood glucose before, during, and after surgery.
What could be the symptoms of an anesthesia overdose? Is it possible?
Anesthesiologists monitor the vital signs of patients under general or regional anesthesia continuously during surgical procedures, and titrate anesthetic drugs to ensure an adequate READ MORE
Anesthesiologists monitor the vital signs of patients under general or regional anesthesia continuously during surgical procedures, and titrate anesthetic drugs to ensure an adequate level of pain relief and to avoid the extremes of too little or too much anesthesia. Surgeons rely on the judgement and care of anesthesiologists to ensure adequate levels of anesthesia.
How will I know if I am allergic to anesthesia?
The only true allergic response to volatile general anesthetics occurs in patients who have an inherited genetic mutation that makes them susceptible to a condition called malignant READ MORE
The only true allergic response to volatile general anesthetics occurs in patients who have an inherited genetic mutation that makes them susceptible to a condition called malignant hyperthermia. If you have received general anesthesia in the past without difficulty, and none of your close relatives developed malignant hyperthermia after receiving general anesthesia, then you do not have this mutation, and you are not allergic to anesthesia.
What should I expect during general anesthesia?
You should meet your anesthesiologist prior to having surgery. Your anesthesiologist will explain all procedures, risks, and potential complications and will give you the opportunity READ MORE
You should meet your anesthesiologist prior to having surgery. Your anesthesiologist will explain all procedures, risks, and potential complications and will give you the opportunity to ask any questions before proceeding.
I had a root canal treatment and my inner cheek is swollen. Is it normal?
Numbness and swelling are common after undergoing root canal surgery and it persists for days before gradually diminishing. Excessive pain, swelling or bleeding should warrant READ MORE
Numbness and swelling are common after undergoing root canal surgery and it persists for days before gradually diminishing. Excessive pain, swelling or bleeding should warrant your returning to see the dentist or orthodontist who performed your surgery.
What are the risks of anesthesia for a patient suffering from COPD?
Patients with COPD who receive general anesthesia are prone to have excessive coughing and clearing of secretions in the recovery room.
Can anesthesia interact with breast milk?
Breastfeeding is safe after receiving anesthesia for a D & C because the dosages of drugs are small and the amounts entering breast milk are very small and have no adverse effect READ MORE
Breastfeeding is safe after receiving anesthesia for a D & C because the dosages of drugs are small and the amounts entering breast milk are very small and have no adverse effect on nursing infants.
I am planning to pierce my nose. Is there an ointment that I can apply to numb the area and ease the pain?
EMLA cream is a topical local anesthetic cream that needs to be applied for 15-30 minutes prior to needle puncture to provide adequate pain relief.
My wife has neoplasia and a fibroid in her uterus. Is hysterectomy the only option?
If your wife has been diagnosed with a high grade cervical dysplasia or carcinoma in situ, then hysterectomy is the only surgical cure. If her cervical pathology is benign, then READ MORE
If your wife has been diagnosed with a high grade cervical dysplasia or carcinoma in situ, then hysterectomy is the only surgical cure. If her cervical pathology is benign, then small fibroids can usually be removed during operative hysteroscopy.
Is it risky to undergo anesthesia with a common cold?
Elective surgical procedures should be postponed until the patient's condition is optimized. A mild upper respiratory infection can worsen into a severe upper or lower respiratory READ MORE
Elective surgical procedures should be postponed until the patient's condition is optimized. A mild upper respiratory infection can worsen into a severe upper or lower respiratory infection, or even pneumonia, after receiving general anesthesia.
How does anesthesia work on the body?
General anesthetics alter signal processing in the brain to produce unconsciousness, analgesia, and muscle relaxation. Side effects of general anesthetics include postoperative READ MORE
General anesthetics alter signal processing in the brain to produce unconsciousness, analgesia, and muscle relaxation. Side effects of general anesthetics include postoperative drowsiness and nausea. Potential complications of having an operation relate more directly to the degree of patient disability, and to the complexity and invasiveness of the surgical procedure than to the anesthesia.
Why was my son given anesthesia for a CT scan?
To obtain the sharpest, most accurate images from a CT scan, the patient (your son) must lie perfectly still for the entire scan, which may last 3 - 10 minutes. Most 3 year-olds READ MORE
To obtain the sharpest, most accurate images from a CT scan, the patient (your son) must lie perfectly still for the entire scan, which may last 3 - 10 minutes. Most 3 year-olds need sedation or anesthesia in order to lie still for this exam and the anesthesiologist should explain the anesthesia care of your son to you and obtain your consent beforehand.
