“Anesthesia is more than drugs”

05/02/2026

Veterinary anesthesiologist Peter Kronen used his TuVECCA Congress interview to flag a persistent risk in clinical practice: treating anesthesia as only “drugs and drug doses.” He noted that anesthesia is inherently high-stakes and that common mistakes can contribute to patient mortality as well as post-procedure complications.

Kronen argued for a broader, systems-based view he called the “anesthesia care package.” In his description, anesthesia should cover the full patient journey—from the moment the patient enters the clinic, through the procedure, and into recovery and discharge—prioritizing safety, comfort, and effective pain control throughout.

Discussing anesthesia in cardiac patients, Kronen highlighted three essential goals for cardiovascular stability: maintaining preload (adequate filling of the heart chambers), maintaining contractility (the heart’s pumping strength), and maintaining normal vascular status to support blood pressure and blood flow.

He also emphasized how the anesthesiologist’s role is evolving beyond individual case management. In modern veterinary practice, Kronen said, anesthesiology increasingly functions as a coordinating discipline that helps build and oversee teams of veterinarians and nurses, aligning standards across different areas of the clinic. Looking 5–10 years ahead, he suggested every veterinary practice should have someone educated in anesthesia who can take on this leadership and oversight role, adding that the manpower exists and education is the key gap.

Closing with impressions of TuVECCA Congress, Kronen praised the event as highly professional, citing strong engagement from private practice, academia, international speakers, and industry supporters. He described it as potentially the biggest congress in Turkiye, reflecting what he saw as strong organization and communication.

You can watch the full exclusive interview on our official YouTube channel.