Anesthesiology

Anesthesiology, branch of medicine that deals with the administration before and during childbirth or surgery of anesthetics, drugs that dull or block sensation or anxiety. Anesthesiologists (physicians who administer anesthetics) use various techniques to anesthetize all or part of the patient's body during surgery, while monitoring and maintaining important body functions; their work may also involve resuscitation and intensive respiratory care.

See also: Anesthesia.