ABSTRACT
When I was asked to write a color handbook about anesthesia, I thought an art-science approach would be very suitable. Anesthesia is an art form. Determining which protocol to use for which patient and which procedure is like choosing the medium and tools for painting a picture. There is an art to selecting combinations of drugs to be used on each patient. There is an art to selecting which anesthetic monitors to use in order to remain vigilant and attentive during an anesthetic procedure. However, the basics of physiology, pharmacology, and pathology are the building blocks for the science behind anesthesia. This knowledge allows the anesthetist to provide profound hypnosis, excellent muscle relaxation, and appropriate pain management, and to address appropriately any complications that may arise during anesthesia. In addition, knowing the art and science of anesthesia provides the anesthetist with the tools necessary to bring about a smooth and uneventful recovery.
