English for Anaesthesia: Essential Vocabulary & Phrases

"induction of anaesthesia"

The process of transitioning a patient from consciousness to a state of general anaesthesia, typically using intravenous agents or inhalational agents

"Induction of anaesthesia was achieved with propofol 2 mg/kg after pre-oxygenation with 100% oxygen for three minutes."

"maintenance of anaesthesia"

The ongoing administration of anaesthetic agents to keep the patient unconscious and free of pain during the surgical procedure

"Maintenance of anaesthesia was provided with sevoflurane at 1.5 MAC in a 50:50 mixture of oxygen and air."

"emergence from anaesthesia"

The process by which a patient regains consciousness and protective reflexes at the end of a procedure as anaesthetic agents are discontinued

"Emergence from anaesthesia was smooth and uneventful; the patient was extubated awake and transferred to the recovery room."

"minimum alveolar concentration"

The concentration of an inhaled anaesthetic agent in the alveoli that prevents movement in 50% of patients in response to a standard surgical stimulus; abbreviated MAC

"An end-tidal sevoflurane concentration of 2% corresponded to approximately 1.0 MAC for this patient, adjusted for age and co-administered nitrous oxide."

"balanced anaesthesia"

An anaesthetic technique combining multiple agents to achieve unconsciousness, analgesia, and muscle relaxation, reducing the dose of any single drug and its side effects

"The team used balanced anaesthesia — propofol for hypnosis, remifentanil for analgesia, and rocuronium for neuromuscular blockade — to optimise surgical conditions while limiting haemodynamic instability."

"depth of anaesthesia monitoring"

Continuous assessment of the level of unconsciousness using processed electroencephalogram indices such as the bispectral index to prevent awareness or overly deep anaesthesia

"Depth of anaesthesia monitoring with a bispectral index target of 40–60 was maintained throughout the procedure to reduce the risk of intraoperative awareness."

"rapid sequence induction"

A technique to secure the airway quickly in patients at risk of pulmonary aspiration, using a predetermined sequence of drugs and cricoid pressure

"Rapid sequence induction was chosen for the emergency laparotomy patient who had eaten two hours before presentation, using ketamine and succinylcholine."

"total intravenous anaesthesia"

A technique in which all anaesthetic agents are delivered intravenously without inhalational agents, typically using propofol and an opioid infusion

"Total intravenous anaesthesia with propofol and remifentanil was selected to reduce the risk of postoperative nausea and vomiting in this patient with a history of severe motion sickness."

"endotracheal intubation"

The placement of a flexible tube through the mouth or nose and into the trachea to establish and secure a definitive airway and allow mechanical ventilation

"Endotracheal intubation was performed using a video laryngoscope after direct laryngoscopy revealed a Cormack–Lehane grade 3 view."

"laryngeal mask airway"

A supraglottic airway device that sits in the hypopharynx above the larynx and allows ventilation without endotracheal intubation; abbreviated LMA

"A laryngeal mask airway size 4 was inserted for the thirty-minute laparoscopic procedure, providing an adequate seal with a leak pressure of 22 cmH₂O."

"difficult airway"

A clinical situation in which a conventionally trained anaesthetist experiences difficulty with facemask ventilation, laryngoscopy, or tracheal intubation

"Pre-operative assessment revealed features consistent with a difficult airway — Mallampati class 3, restricted neck extension, and a thyromental distance of less than 6 cm."

"cricothyrotomy"

An emergency surgical procedure to create an airway through the cricothyroid membrane when intubation and ventilation have both failed

"Following a cannot intubate, cannot oxygenate situation, the team proceeded immediately to surgical cricothyrotomy using a scalpel-finger-bougie technique."

"awake fibreoptic intubation"

A technique for securing a difficult airway in a conscious, sedated, and topically anaesthetised patient using a flexible fibreoptic scope to guide the endotracheal tube

"Given the patient's history of previous difficult intubation and reduced mouth opening, awake fibreoptic intubation was planned as the primary airway strategy."

"preoxygenation"

The administration of 100% oxygen to a patient before induction of anaesthesia to increase the oxygen reserve in the functional residual capacity and extend the safe apnoea period

"Preoxygenation for three minutes via a tight-fitting facemask raised the end-tidal oxygen concentration to 90% before rapid sequence induction commenced."

"cuff inflation pressure"

The pressure maintained in the inflatable cuff of an endotracheal tube to prevent air leak and aspiration while avoiding tracheal mucosal ischaemia; target 20–30 cmH₂O

"Cuff inflation pressure was checked and adjusted to 25 cmH₂O using a dedicated cuff manometer after each patient repositioning."

"extubation criteria"

The physiological standards a patient must meet before the endotracheal tube is safely removed, including adequate spontaneous ventilation, return of protective airway reflexes, and haemodynamic stability

"Extubation criteria were confirmed — train-of-four ratio greater than 0.9, regular spontaneous breaths, and a sustained head lift — before the tube was removed."

"spinal anaesthesia"

The injection of local anaesthetic into the subarachnoid space to produce dense sensory and motor block below the level of injection; also called intrathecal anaesthesia

"Spinal anaesthesia with hyperbaric bupivacaine 10 mg and fentanyl 25 mcg provided a T4 sensory block within five minutes for the elective Caesarean section."

"epidural anaesthesia"

The injection of local anaesthetic into the epidural space to produce segmental sensory and motor block, commonly used for labour analgesia and major abdominal surgery

"Epidural anaesthesia was established via a lumbar catheter at L3–L4, and the block was extended to a T6 level for the thoracoabdominal oesophagectomy."

"ultrasound-guided nerve block"

A peripheral nerve block technique using real-time ultrasound imaging to visualise the target nerve, surrounding structures, and local anaesthetic spread

"An ultrasound-guided interscalene nerve block with 20 mL of 0.5% ropivacaine provided excellent analgesia for the shoulder arthroscopy, avoiding the need for systemic opioids."

"local anaesthetic toxicity"

A systemic adverse reaction caused by excessive plasma concentrations of local anaesthetic agents, presenting with central nervous system and cardiovascular manifestations

"Tinnitus and perioral numbness following the femoral nerve block raised concern for local anaesthetic toxicity; a 20% lipid emulsion was drawn up as a precautionary measure."

"post-dural puncture headache"

A positional headache occurring after unintentional puncture of the dura mater, caused by leakage of cerebrospinal fluid and reduced intracranial pressure

"The patient developed a severe post-dural puncture headache on day two after an accidental dural tap with an 18-gauge Tuohy needle; an epidural blood patch was performed with immediate relief."

"loss of resistance technique"

The standard method for identifying the epidural space by advancing a Tuohy needle until resistance to injection of saline or air suddenly disappears as the ligamentum flavum is pierced

"Loss of resistance to saline was felt at a depth of 5.5 cm, confirming epidural space entry, and a catheter was threaded 4 cm into the space."

"dermatomal level"

The extent of sensory block achieved by spinal or epidural anaesthesia, described by reference to spinal nerve dermatomes assessed with cold or pinprick testing

"A bilateral dermatomal level of T6 was confirmed with ice before the patient was positioned supine and the surgeons allowed to begin the incision."

"high spinal block"

An excessive cephalad spread of spinal anaesthesia resulting in cardiovascular depression, respiratory compromise, and potentially loss of consciousness

"Bradycardia and hypotension within two minutes of spinal injection, accompanied by difficulty breathing, indicated a high spinal block requiring immediate vasopressor and airway support."

"neuromuscular blockade"

The pharmacological inhibition of neuromuscular transmission using muscle relaxant drugs to facilitate intubation and optimise surgical conditions

"Neuromuscular blockade with rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg provided excellent intubating conditions and was reversed at the end of surgery with sugammadex 4 mg/kg."

"train-of-four stimulation"

A peripheral nerve stimulation pattern delivering four consecutive electrical impulses to quantify the degree of neuromuscular blockade and guide reversal

"Train-of-four stimulation of the ulnar nerve showed a ratio of 0.3 at the end of infusion, indicating moderate residual block requiring reversal before extubation."

"end-tidal carbon dioxide"

The partial pressure of carbon dioxide measured at the end of expiration, used to confirm tracheal intubation, monitor ventilation adequacy, and detect circulatory changes; abbreviated EtCO₂

"A sudden fall in end-tidal carbon dioxide from 38 to 12 mmHg during the procedure prompted immediate assessment for pulmonary embolism or circuit disconnection."

"invasive arterial monitoring"

Continuous blood pressure measurement via a catheter placed in a peripheral artery, providing beat-to-beat haemodynamic data and arterial blood gas sampling access

"Invasive arterial monitoring via a right radial artery line was established before induction for the cardiac patient undergoing major vascular surgery."

"opioid-induced respiratory depression"

Reduction in respiratory rate and tidal volume caused by opioid agents acting on mu-receptors in the brainstem respiratory centres, potentially leading to hypoxia

"Opioid-induced respiratory depression was identified in the recovery room by a respiratory rate of 6 breaths per minute and oxygen saturation of 89%; naloxone was titrated in 40 mcg increments."

"volatile anaesthetic agent"

A halogenated liquid anaesthetic drug that is vaporised and inhaled to produce and maintain general anaesthesia, including sevoflurane, desflurane, and isoflurane

"Sevoflurane was chosen as the volatile anaesthetic agent for its rapid wash-in and wash-out kinetics and haemodynamic stability compared with older halogenated agents."

"target-controlled infusion"

An intravenous drug delivery system that uses pharmacokinetic models to adjust infusion rates and achieve a target plasma or effect-site drug concentration; abbreviated TCI

"Propofol was delivered via target-controlled infusion with an effect-site concentration target of 3.5 mcg/mL for induction, then titrated to 2.5 mcg/mL for maintenance."

"sugammadex reversal"

The use of sugammadex, a modified gamma-cyclodextrin, to rapidly encapsulate and inactivate rocuronium or vecuronium and reverse neuromuscular blockade

"Sugammadex reversal at 16 mg/kg was administered immediately after the failed intubation to allow the patient to resume spontaneous ventilation and regain protective reflexes."

"multimodal analgesia"

A pain management strategy combining analgesic drugs with different mechanisms of action to achieve superior pain control while reducing opioid consumption and side effects

"Multimodal analgesia comprising paracetamol, a NSAID, a regional block, and low-dose opioids reduced 24-hour morphine consumption by 60% compared with opioid monotherapy."

"patient-controlled analgesia"

A pain management system allowing patients to self-administer predetermined bolus doses of an analgesic agent by pressing a button, within a prescribed lockout interval; abbreviated PCA

"Patient-controlled analgesia with intravenous morphine 1 mg boluses and a five-minute lockout was prescribed for the first 48 hours following open colectomy."

"preoperative analgesic"

An analgesic agent administered before surgery to reduce central sensitisation, lower intraoperative anaesthetic requirements, and improve postoperative pain scores

"A preoperative analgesic regimen including pregabalin 150 mg and celecoxib 400 mg was given 60 minutes before the knee arthroplasty to facilitate early mobilisation."

"numerical rating scale"

A pain assessment tool asking patients to rate their pain intensity on a scale from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain); abbreviated NRS

"The patient reported a numerical rating scale score of 7 at rest despite the epidural infusion, prompting an urgent assessment of catheter position and block adequacy."

"opioid-sparing strategy"

A planned approach to perioperative analgesia that minimises opioid use through regional techniques, adjuvant drugs, and non-pharmacological interventions

"An opioid-sparing strategy incorporating a transversus abdominis plane block, intravenous lignocaine infusion, and dexamethasone allowed the patient to leave hospital opioid-free on day two."

"neuropathic pain"

Pain arising from a lesion or disease affecting the somatosensory nervous system, characterised by burning, shooting, or electric-shock sensations and allodynia

"Six weeks after thoracotomy the patient described neuropathic pain in the distribution of the surgical scar; gabapentin was added to the regimen and a pain specialist referral made."

"acute pain service"

A multidisciplinary hospital team responsible for the assessment and management of postoperative and acute pain, including epidural and PCA oversight

"The acute pain service reviewed all epidural patients twice daily and provided 24-hour telephone support to ward staff for troubleshooting analgesic problems."

"pain catastrophising"

A psychological pattern characterised by rumination, magnification, and helplessness about pain, associated with worse surgical outcomes and increased opioid requirements

"Pre-operative screening identified high pain catastrophising scores, prompting early psychology input and a tailored perioperative education programme."

"anaphylaxis"

A severe, life-threatening systemic hypersensitivity reaction most commonly triggered in the perioperative setting by neuromuscular blocking agents, latex, or antibiotics

"Anaphylaxis was suspected when hypotension, bronchospasm, and erythema developed within two minutes of rocuronium administration; adrenaline 0.5 mg was given intramuscularly and the patient stabilised."

"malignant hyperthermia"

A rare pharmacogenetic disorder triggered by volatile anaesthetic agents or succinylcholine, causing uncontrolled skeletal muscle metabolism, hyperthermia, and acidosis

"A rapid rise in end-tidal CO₂, muscle rigidity, and temperature of 39.5°C raised immediate suspicion of malignant hyperthermia; dantrolene 2.5 mg/kg was administered and all volatile agents discontinued."

"intraoperative awareness"

The unintended return of consciousness during general anaesthesia, during which the patient may be aware of surgical events, voices, or pain without being able to communicate

"Post-operative interview revealed that the patient had experienced intraoperative awareness for approximately two minutes during sternotomy, recalling the sound of the saw and feeling pressure."

"pulmonary aspiration"

The inhalation of gastric contents into the lower respiratory tract during anaesthesia, potentially causing chemical pneumonitis or aspiration pneumonia

"Pulmonary aspiration was suspected when brown material appeared in the endotracheal tube on induction; bronchoscopy was performed and intensive respiratory support instituted."

"postoperative nausea and vomiting"

Nausea, retching, or vomiting occurring within 24 hours of surgery, a common anaesthesia-related complication that delays discharge and impairs patient satisfaction; abbreviated PONV

"The patient's Apfel risk score of 4 prompted a multimodal antiemetic strategy including ondansetron, dexamethasone, and TIVA to minimise postoperative nausea and vomiting."

"critical incident reporting"

The systematic documentation and analysis of adverse events or near-misses in anaesthesia practice to identify safety hazards and drive quality improvement

"Following the drug error, the team completed a critical incident reporting form and a root cause analysis was initiated to determine whether the medication labelling process needed revision."

"haemodynamic instability"

Abnormal fluctuations in blood pressure, heart rate, or cardiac output that threaten end-organ perfusion and require active clinical intervention

"Haemodynamic instability developed after aortic cross-clamping was released; the anaesthetist administered phenylephrine and increased the vasopressin infusion while rapid fluid loading was initiated."

"handover of care"

The formal transfer of clinical responsibility for a patient between anaesthetic practitioners, including communication of patient status, intraoperative events, and ongoing management plans

"A structured SBAR-format handover of care was given to the intensive care nurse, covering intraoperative events, fluid balance, analgesic plan, and post-operative monitoring requirements."