Nancy Knudsen, MD

Anesthesiologist

Dr. Nancy Knudsen is an Anesthesiologist in Durham, NC with special training and skill in safely delivering acute and chronic pain relief through numbing and sedation. As an Anesthesiologist, Nancy Knudsen, MD performs general anesthesia and regional anesthetics. Anesthesiology is the field of medicine that controls pain during invasive procedures. Significant diseases and conditions treated by Anesthesiologists include sports injuries, musculoskeletal pain, labor, and surgery. Medical tests, procedures and therapies provided by Anesthesiologists include pre-procedure evaluations, anesthesia delivery, patient monitoring, and recovery assistance.

An anesthesiologist is trained to provide pain relief and maintenance, or restoration, of a stable condition during and immediately following an operation or an obstetric or diagnostic procedure. The anesthesiologist assesses the risk of the patient undergoing surgery and optimizes the patient's condition prior to, during and after surgery. In addition to these management responsibilities, the anesthesiologist provides medical management and consultation in pain management and critical care medicine. Anesthesiologists diagnose and treat acute, long-standing and cancer pain problems; diagnose and treat patients with critical illnesses or severe injuries; direct resuscitation in the care of patients with cardiac or respiratory emergencies, including the need for artificial ventilation; and supervise post-anesthesia recovery.

Critical Care Medicine Anesthesiologist

Dr. Nancy Knudsen is a Critical Care Medicine Anesthesiologist in Durham, NC with special training and skill in managing anesthesia care for critical care patients of all ages. As a Critical Care Medicine Anesthesiologist, Nancy Knudsen, MD performs anesthesia care in an intensive care unit or other emergency care department. Critical Care Medicine Anesthesiology is administration of anesthesia to critically ill or injured patients during surgery. Significant diseases and conditions treated by Critical Care Medicine Anesthesiologists include heart disease, gall bladder infection, appendicitis, cirrhosis, cancer, and major trauma. Medical tests, procedures and therapies provided by Critical Care Medicine Anesthesiologists include cardiac surgery, cholecystectomy, colectomy, appendectomy, and organ transplantation.

An anesthesiologist, who specializes in critical care medicine diagnoses, treats and supports patients with multiple organ dysfunction. This specialist may have administrative responsibilities for intensive care units and may also facilitate and coordinate patient care among the primary physician, the critical care staff and other specialists.