Dr. Thomas J. Rick M.D.
Anesthesiologist
4441 East McDowell Road Suite 101 Phoenix Arizona, 85008Rating
4/5
About
Thomas J. Rick, MD, works at a private practice in Phoenix, Arizona. He specializes in the extension of anesthetic and pain management services to patients undergoing surgeries. When Dr. Rick is not at his practice, he can be found working at St. Joseph and Good Samaritan Hospitals.
Dr. Thomas J. Rick M.D.'s Videos
Education and Training
Hahnemann University
Board Certification
American Board of Anesthesiology- Anesthesiology
AnesthesiologyAmerican Board of AnesthesiologyABA
Provider Details
Dr. Thomas J. Rick M.D.'s Expert Contributions
Failed epidural and spinal block for c-section?
A spinal anesthetic block is an all-or-nothing block. Sensory and motor block is achieved with a single injection. If the local anesthetic is not injected in the subarachnoid space (into the cerebrospinal fluid), there will be no block. With epidural blocks, a small catheter is usually inserted into the epidural space. If you have fibrous partitions in the epidural space, you could potentially result in a patchy block, in which some areas are numb and some areas still have sensation. If you have a history of patchy epidural blocks, you might opt for a spinal block or general anesthetic. READ MORE
Can general anesthesia damage lungs?
Anesthetic gases and IV anesthetics do not specifically harm the lungs. Lung damage can potentially occur if there is aspiration of stomach contents, causing chemical pneumonitis. Barotrauma to the lungs can occur if the lungs are mechanically overinflated by positive pressure, but healthy lungs are usually compliant enough to handle it. Severe allergic reaction affecting the lungs is very rare. READ MORE
How soon after anesthesia can you drive?
24 hours READ MORE
Can you drink alcohol the day before anesthesia?
I would recommend not drinking the day before your procedure. Consumption of alcohol will disturb the environment of your stomach and esophagus, specifically increasing the acidity and disturbing the lining of the upper GI tract. READ MORE
How long do headaches last after general anesthesia?
Probably a couple days at most READ MORE
Are you fully sedated for a colonoscopy?
Yes. Colonoscopy is usually done under deep IV sedation with propofol READ MORE
Can you have rotator cuff surgery without general anesthesia?
Potentially, shoulder arthroscopy could be performed under interscalene block, an injection in the neck that blocks the bundle of nerves called brachial plexus. Sedation may be helpful because of the uncomfortable position during surgery, either lateral or sitting position. READ MORE
Is it normal to be tired a week after general anesthesia?
No. Your fatigue is more likely due to the post-operative healing process...and any post-op medications you are taking. READ MORE
Can knee surgery be done under local anesthesia?
Knee arthroscopy could potentially be done with nerve blocks of several nerves, which is rather labor intensive. Total knee replacements are often performed under spinal anesthesia block. Simple knee arthroscopies could be done with spinal block, but this is not common, as the block must take a significant amount of time to resolve prior to discharge from an outpatient facility. I would choose general anesthesia. READ MORE
How long does it take to detox from anesthesia?
There is no considerable "toxicity" with anesthesia. So, there is no go-to detox regimen. Drinking as much water as possible can help to clear medications through the liver and kidneys. READ MORE
Can lidocaine make you sleepy?
Short-term dizziness could be interpreted as sleepiness READ MORE
Is anesthesia given during normal delivery?
The most common anesthetic choice for normal spontaneous vaginal delivery is an epidural catheter/block. READ MORE
Can anesthesia cause insomnia?
Probably not. Perhaps some other post-op medications or stimulants are the cause of your insomnia. READ MORE
How do you detox after general anesthesia?
Detox is not really necessary, but water and vitamins can't hurt READ MORE
Is it normal to lose hair after general anesthesia?
I have never heard of an association of hair loss with general anesthesia. READ MORE
What is considered regional anesthesia?
Nerve blocks such as femoral, interscalene, axillary, popliteal, ankle, digital, spinal, and epidural. READ MORE
Can spinal anesthesia give you a headache?
Yes, post dural puncture headache is common. READ MORE
Why does it take so long to wake up from dental anesthesia?
Time of emergence from anesthesia is related to the quantitative doses and type of medications administered as well as your ability to metabolize the anesthetics. READ MORE
What drugs are used for regional anesthesia?
Local anesthetics are used for regional anesthesia. Examples are Ropivicaine, Bupivicaine, and Lidocaine. READ MORE
Where is regional anesthesia injected?
Regional anesthesia usually refers to a nerve block that anesthetizes a region of the body. This would include spinal and epidural blocks, injected in the back; femoral block in the groin; interscalene block in the neck; axillary block in the armpit; ankle block in the ankle. READ MORE
Professional Society Memberships
- American Society of Anesthesiology, Arizona Society of Anesthesiology
What do you attribute your success to?
- Availability, Affordability, Accessibility
Hobbies / Sports
- Drums, Tennis, Fitness
Favorite professional publications
- New England Journal of Medicine, Anesthesiology
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