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
Is it common to wake up during a colonoscopy?
Over the past 5-10 years, the standard of care for colonoscopy has been the administration of propofol to achieve a state of deep sedation for the patient. However, the possibility of awareness still exists, especially in patients with high tolerance for sedatives, such as those who liberalize alcohol, narcotics and benzodiazepines. READ MORE
Do you talk during conscious sedation?
The true essence of conscious sedation is that the patient is truly able to be verbal, yet mildly sedated. Unconscious sedation involves a deeper plane of consciousness when the patient is not verbal. READ MORE
Is dental anesthesia OK when pregnant?
Ideally, local injection to block the dental nerve is ideal. Definitely avoid benzodiazepine meds in first trimester. READ MORE
Can you talk during conscious sedation?
When you are literally referring to "conscious" sedation, the answer would be YES. If you are rousable and conscious, then you potentially could talk. Usually, during deeper sedation states, you would not be very talkative. READ MORE
How long does lidocaine last in finger?
Less than one hour... READ MORE
What are the side effects of too much anesthesia?
Significantly delayed emergence. Sustained drop in blood pressure, ventilation or oxygen saturation. Possibly prolonged state of confusion. READ MORE
What is the anesthetic spray used for?
Cetacaine spray is often used to numb the back of the throat; for example, to facilitate an awake intubation. Another spray is ethyl chloride, which provides a topical "freeze" of the skin during, for example, an IV catheter placement. READ MORE
What anesthesia is used for childbirth?
A normal vaginal delivery is commonly facilitated by epidural anesthesia. A Caesarian section delivery is usually carried out under an epidural or spinal block, or sometimes under general endotracheal anesthesia if emergent. READ MORE
How long does anesthesia affect your memory?
General anesthesia does not usually affect the memory of a healthy 29-year-old. READ MORE
Does anesthesia cause dementia?
ummm...no READ MORE
Is regional anesthesia the same as local?
Not exactly. Local anesthetics (numbing medicine) is either injected around nerve bundles for a nerve block, injected into the subarachnoid space for a spinal block, or epidural space for an epidural block. These are considered regional anesthesia. Local anesthetics can also be infiltrated directly into the tissues. This is considered "local anesthesia". READ MORE
Is regional anesthesia safe?
In general, regional anesthesia is very safe. If you are referring to obstetrical regional anesthesia, usually either an epidural or a spinal block is implemented. Aside from theoretical risks, if bleeding or infection, they are safe. READ MORE
How many hours can you be under anesthesia?
I don't know of any maximum time limit to general anesthesia. READ MORE
What type of anesthesia is used for shoulder replacement?
General anesthesia */- interscalene nerve block READ MORE
Can seniors have procedures done with local anesthesia?
There is no age limit for local, general, or regional anesthesia. The most appropriate anesthetic should be administered based on the patient's comorbidities/health issues and the type of surgery. READ MORE
Can anesthesia give you pneumonia?
Anesthesia itself does not give you pneumonia. However, if stomach contents are aspirated into the airway, a chemical pneumonia can develop with a potential infection of the lungs. READ MORE
Can I drink alcohol the night before a local anesthetic?
YES...but don't overdo it READ MORE
Can you have general anesthesia without intubation?
The need for intubation is dependent on the surgical procedure to be performed. Use of a laryngeal mask airway (LMA) is a common airway adjunct used for balanced general anesthesia requiring anesthetic gases (volatile anesthetic agents). Use of an LMA is not considered "intubation" because there is no endotracheal placement of a breathing tube. READ MORE
How long does it take for a patient to wake up from sedation?
That depends on the dose and the medications that were administered. Usually for outpatient procedures, short-acting sedatives are used, and patients are ready for discharge within 30-45 minutes. READ MORE
What type of anesthesia is used for gastric bypass?
General endotracheal anesthesia 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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