Dr. Mahmood Tabatabai, MD, PhD?

Dr. Mahmood Tabatabai, MD, PhD

Anesthesiologist

1600 Girard Avenue Philadelphia, PA, 19130 Show map

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About

Dr. Mahmood Tabatabai is an anesthesiologist practicing in Philadelphia, , PA. Dr. Tabatabai 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. Tabatabai also might help manage pain after an operation.

Education and Training

Shiraz University of Medical Sciences medical degree 1963

University of Pennsylvania Doctorate degree in Physiology 0

Board Certification

American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA)

AnesthesiologyAmerican Board of AnesthesiologyABA

Provider Details

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Dr. Mahmood Tabatabai, MD, PhD

Dr. Mahmood Tabatabai, MD, PhD's Expert Contributions

My Answers

Does local anesthesia raise blood sugar?
Hi. The answer is NO. Sincerely, READ MORE
Is anesthesia safe for diabetics?
Hi. Anesthesia is safe for diabetics. But, the blood sugar should be checked before, during, and after the surgery to make sure it is in the safe range. If the blood sugar is above a certain level (decided by your anesthesiologist ), the surgical procedure should be postponed until the blood sugar is brought to acceptable level . Sincerely. M. Tabatabai, MD READ MORE
Does dental anesthesia have side effects?
Hi. Like any other type of anesthesia, if it is done correctly, it is safe, and provides a state of no feeling, and no pain at the site of the procedure. Nevertheless, there are times, like any other types of anesthesia, unwanted complications may happen, which can easily be taken care of. Good luck. Sincerely, M. Tabatabai, MD READ MORE
Is topical anesthetic effective?
Hi, It depends on the type of surgery and the extent of surgery. It works well for proper cases and suitable procedures. No pain, no ill effects, quick recovery, and safe. Good luck, M. Tabatabai, MD READ MORE
Is it common to wake up during a colonoscopy?
Hi, It may happen. And it depends on how much anesthetic you receive for the colonoscopy. The more sleeping medicine you receive, the less chance of waking up during the procedure. But even if you wake up, your anesthesiologist or your nurse anesthetist may give you more sleeping medicine to put you back to sleep. Good luck. Sincerely, M. Tabatabai, MD READ MORE
Do you talk during conscious sedation?
Hi. Yes, you may talk, respond to questions raised by your doctor or nurse, and even you can ask questions. Sincerely, READ MORE
How long does it take to fall asleep with anesthesia?
If you are going to have general anesthesia, you will be given intravenous (inside the vein) medication(s), that makes you go to sleep in less than a minute. After you are sleep, the anesthesia and sleep is maintained with inhalational agents that you breathe in, and remain asleep until your operation is over. Then, the inhalational agent is turned off, and you wake up slowly from anesthesia. Good luck. Sincerely, M. Tabatabai, MD, PhD READ MORE
How long does it take to feel normal after anesthesia?
Hi, Thank you for your question. When you receive general anesthesia for a surgical procedure, after the surgical procedure is finished, you are taken to the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) for observation and recovery from general anesthesia. The shorter the duration of the anesthesia, the faster is the wake up time in the PACU. But generally it is within the first 30 minutes after the procedure that you will be awake enough to answer questions or to see a visitor, or to ask a question. And you will be discharged from PACU to your room in the hospital , or you may be sent home. You will be advised not to make any decisions for the next 24 hours, and not to operate any machinery either. I wish you the best with your surgical procedure and your anesthesia care. Sincerely, M. Tabatabai, MD READ MORE
Is knee arthroscopy done under general anesthesia?
Hi, Knee Arthroscopy can be done under general anesthesia, regional anesthesia (that is spinal anesthesia or epidural anesthesia), under nerve blocks in the groin (femoral and obturator nerves) and evening under local anesthesia of the knee. The surgeons may have preference for one technique or the other, or depending how much surgery may have to do for a particular patient. Also, it depends how comfortable the anesthesiologist feels in doing those techniques. Wish you the best, M. Tabatabai, MD READ MORE
Why can't I urinate after anesthesia?
Hi. It is not uncommon to have delayed urination or difficult urination after anesthesia, whether general anesthesia, spinal anesthesia, or epidural anesthesia. Some pre-existing conditions such as benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) (Prostate Enlargement ) or use of narcotics such as morphine make this condition more prevalent . The reason is that the anesthesia affects the nerves that control urinary bladder and its normal function, leading to urinary retention and delayed bladder emptying. Some early trial on the part of the patient to empty the bladder even when there is no sense of need to do so, or some medications called alpha blockers help to urinate sooner than later. If nothing helps , and the bladder feels full, then a sterile plastic catheter should be inserted into the bladder via the urethra under sterile conditions by the nursing-medical staff to drain the urine while the patient is still in the post operative care unit (PACU), and before the patient is sent to the Hospital Room , or discharged home. With best wishes. M. Tabatabai, MD READ MORE
Can I take painkillers after local anesthetic?
Hi. Yes, you can take pain killers after local anesthetic if you have pain. Your anesthesiologist or your physician who recommended the local anesthetic (either for surgery or for pain relief) can further guide you on this issue. Sincerely, M. Tabatabai, MD READ MORE
How do you get rid of numbness from lidocaine?
It is a matter of time. From the site of injection, or from the site of application, it will be taken up by the blood circulation and metabolized. Sincerely, M. Tabatabai, MD READ MORE
Can anesthesia stay in your system for months?
Hi, The answer is: NO. With best wishes, M. Tabatabai, MD, PhD READ MORE
How long do root nerve block injections last?
Hi. Good question. For any nerve block, including nerve root blocks, the duration of the block depends upon the type of local anesthetic used. The common local Anesthetics used for nerve blocks are Lidocaine, and Bupivacaine. Lidocaine anesthetic duration is shorter about 30 to 45 minutes. With Bupivacaine, the block lasts an hour to two. The more the volume of the local anesthetic, and the more the concentration of the local anesthetic, the longer will be the duration of the nerve block. With best wishes. M. Tabatabai, MD, PhD READ MORE
Can you walk after a nerve block?
Hi, You can walk, but it may take some time before you can safely walk. When foot nerve block is done, sensory nerves, as well as motor nerves are blocked. So, you lose sensation in the foot, and you lose also movement activity in the foot. But there is recovery with time. The recovery duration varies according to the type of local anesthetic used, the amount and concentration of local anesthetic used, and the reason for the block. But recovery will take place. If the reason for the foot nerve block is to eliminate pain, a less concentrated local anesthetic may only block sensation without affecting the movement much. READ MORE
Will my daughter's tonsil surgery be postponed?
Hi, You state the tonsillectomy for your 14-year-old daughter was scheduled for mid-May. If the surgery has not been done yet, out of abundance of caution, you may wait longer to mitigate the Corona Pandemic, unless there is a good reason to do the surgery soon. For example, if the tonsils are too large that make breathing difficult, or if there is an abscess around or on the tonsils, it is better to operate now without waiting any longer. Wish you and your daughter the best, M. Tabatabai, MD READ MORE
What kind of anesthesia is used for a lumpectomy?
Hi, Local, regional, and general anesthesia may be used for lumpectomy. The choice of anesthesia depends on the size and location of the lump to be removed. If the size is small, the best is to use local anesthesia. If it is a large size lump, and it is in the lower extremities (legs and thighs), spinal anesthesia or general anesthesia may be used. Since you are a female, and it is possible the lump may be in the breast, now depending on the size of the lump, local anesthesia for removal of small size lumps, and general anesthesia for removal of large size lumps may be used. Similarly, if the lump is on the neck, chest wall, or abdominal wall, or on the back, depending on the size of the lump, local or general anesthesia may be used to remove the lump. With best wishes, M. Tabatabai, MD READ MORE
Are elective procedures requiring anesthesia being postponed?
Hi. Not necessarily. In some hospitals, the elective surgical procedures have resumed, and in some, they are still on hold. Areas, States, and Cities least or less affected by the Corona Virus are doing the elective surgeries. With best wishes. M. Tabatabai, MD READ MORE
Why can't you get an epidural with low platelets?
When the platelet count is low, there is a chance of bleeding during epidural placement of the needle and catheter. The bleeding in the epidural space causes complications including paralysis and sensory loss in the in the lower extremities. The platelet count may be brought back to normal level with platelet transfusion to make it safe to do epidural anesthesia. Any medication that works against the platelet function such as acetyl salicylic acid (Aspirin) or clopidogrel (Plavix) has to be discontinued for a week before epidural anesthesia. READ MORE
How long does it take a child to wake up from anesthesia?
This is a good question. Generally, the shorter the duration of general anesthesia, the faster is the wake up time from the anesthesia. Duration of anesthesia depends on the duration of surgery. So, if the surgical procedure is a short one, wake up time from anesthesia will be short as well. But as an example, if the surgical procedure takes half an hour, the wake up time from anesthesia will be 10 to 15 minutes depending on the child‘s age. It is best to observe the child in the recovery room after wake up from anesthesia to ensure full recovery from anesthesia. READ MORE

Faculty Titles & Positions

Chairman Department of Physiology at the Shiraz University of Medical Sciences -
Professor of Anesthesiology University of Pittsburgh -
Acting Chairman Department of Anesthesia at the VA Medical Center -
Chairman Department of Anesthesia at the VA Medical Center -
Chairman Department of Anesthesia at the North Philadelphia Health System Hospitals -
Editor-in-Chief Iranian Journal of Medical Sciences -

Awards

Recognition Award 1963 Iranian Ministry of Science and Higher Education
Research Awards 1977 Ministry
Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award Year

Professional Memberships

American Society of Anesthesiologists
International Anesthesia Research Society
Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine
International Brain Research Organization
Educational Council of the International Union of the Physiological Sciences
American Association for the Advancement of Science
Association of University Anesthesiologists

Internships

Drexel University (1979)

Professional Society Memberships

American Society of Anesthesiologists, International Anesthesia Research Society, Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine, International Brain Research Organization, Educational Council of the International Union of the Physiological Sciences, American Association for the Advancement of Science, Association of University Anesthesiologists

Dr. Mahmood Tabatabai, MD, PhD's Practice location

North Philadelphia Health System Hospitals, serving as Chairman.

1600 Girard Avenue -
Philadelphia, , PA 19130

Get Direction

New patients: 267-639-2076

Mon:09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Tue:09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Wed:09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Thu:09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Fri:09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Sat:Closed
Sun:Closed

Mahmood Tabatabai, MD, PhD

500 N 18th St Apt 604 -
Philadelphia, PA 19130

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New patients: 267-639-2076

3900 WOODLAND AVENUE -
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19104

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New patients: 215-823-5800, 215-981-0182

Fax: 215-823-4171

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Get to know Anesthesiologist Dr. Mahmood Tabatabai, who serves patients in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

A veteran educator and medical professional of anesthesiology, Dr. Tabatabai works with patients at his private practice in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is currently in biomedical research related to physiology and anesthesiology.

Throughout his illustrious career, he has held various clinical and academic positions, including Chairman of the Department of Physiology at the Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in Iran, Professor of Anesthesiology at the University of Pittsburgh, Acting Chairman of the Department of Anesthesia at the VA Medical Center in Philadelphia, Chairman of the Department of Anesthesia at the North Philadelphia Health System Hospitals, and Editor-in-Chief of the Iranian Journal of Medical Sciences.

An Iranian native, Dr. Tabatabai earned his medical degree from the Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in Iran back in 1963. After relocating to the United States, he earned his Doctorate degree in Physiology from the University of Pennsylvania. He then went on to complete his internship at Drexel University in 1979, followed by his residency in anesthesiology at the Yale-New Haven Hospital from 1979 to 1982.

With over 50 years of experience, he is a current or past member of the American Society of Anesthesiologists, the International Anesthesia Research Society, the Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine, the International Brain Research Organization, the Educational Council of the International Union of the Physiological Sciences, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the Association of University Anesthesiologists.

Licensed to practice medicine in Pennsylvania, Delaware, West Virginia and California, the doctor is board-certified in anesthesiology by the American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA). As the certifying body for anesthesiologists since 1938, the ABA is committed to partnering with physicians to advance lifelong learning and exceptional patient care. Its mission is to advance the highest standards of the practice of anesthesiology.

Throughout his line of work, Dr. Tabatabai has written more than 70 research articles, review articles, and book chapters, as well as more than 80 biomedical abstracts. He attributes his success to his family, his teachers, his hard work and being influenced by other hard-working professionals in the field, and by taking pride in his work and devoting himself to his responsibilities.

Anesthesiology is the medical specialty concerned with the total perioperative care of patients before, during, and after surgery. It encompasses anesthesia, intensive care medicine, critical emergency medicine, and pain medicine. Anesthesiologists have the primary responsibility of monitoring the patient’s vital signs during surgery. In addition to basic measurements such as heart rate, blood pressure, respiration., temperature, they also measure end tidal carbon dioxide pressure (end tidal CO2 ), and blood hemoglobin oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry.

Lauded for his achievements in the field of medicine, Dr. Tabatabai has been presented with numerous accolades such as a Recognition Award from the Iranian Ministry of Science and Higher Education in 1963 for graduating as the top physician in his class, Research Awards through the Ministry in 1974 and 1977, and the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award.

When not working, he enjoys playing tennis, horseback riding, swimming, jogging, reading and listening to the news, as well as watching movies.