Patient Resources

The CU Department of Anesthesiology is dedicated to providing the highest standard of care for patients undergoing surgical procedures, invasive treatments, and childbirth. Our commitment encompasses all aspects of anesthetic and perioperative care, including comprehensive pain management services. Whether you are preparing for surgery or dealing with postoperative pain, our nationally recognized clinical faculty—comprising physicians, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants (CAAs), Nurse Practitioners (NPs), and Physician Assistants (PAs)—work together to ensure you receive personalized, expert care.

Our team includes specialists in both acute and chronic pain management. The Acute Pain Service is focused on delivering targeted pain relief for patients immediately after surgery or during hospitalization, while our Chronic Pain Service provides comprehensive, interdisciplinary care for those experiencing long-term pain. Our pain specialists collaborate with patients and their families to develop tailored pain management plans that may involve a combination of medications, therapies, and holistic approaches.

We also offer a pre-procedural consultation service designed to ensure patients are in optimal health before surgery, addressing any concerns and providing recommendations to improve outcomes. Beyond the operating room, our Critical Care Specialists manage patient care in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU), focusing on both recovery and pain management.

Our partnerships with renowned institutions, including University of Colorado Hospital (UCH), Children’s Hospital Colorado, Denver Health, and the Veterans Affairs Hospital, allow us to deliver exceptional care at every stage of your healthcare journey. Explore our affiliated centers to learn more about the specialized services we offer, including detailed information on acute and chronic pain management.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an anesthesiologist?
A specialist who administers an anesthetic to a patient before he is treated, or a physician specializing in anesthesiology.

What is Anesthesiology?
The American Society of Anesthesiologists has several excellent patient education articles on this subject.

What is pain medicine?
The ASA says: In addition to the patient's pain being relieved or blocked entirely during a surgical procedure, it is equally important to provide adequate pain relief postoperatively for the patient's comfort and well-being.

Patient Testimonial

Olympic Medalist Chris Klug had some words of thanks for our department and Dr. Thomas Henthorn. He said we could share them with you:

I am here today because of the great job the team of Doctors at the University of Colorado did during my liver transplant in July 0f 2000.  I remember waking up and instantly feeling better.  Everything went so smoothly. I was back on my board in less than two months and able to quickly return to my dream of an Olympic Snowboarding Medal. Sometimes people don't give much thought to what goes on while they are "out" during surgery, but when one is having a liver transplant, the skill and expertise of the anesthesiologist, guiding you through this operation, is a very big deal. Anesthesiology is a scientific discipline in which new discoveries are put right at the cutting edge. Great performances can only come from teamwork, research, and practice; and these guys are the master of all three. I was scared before my surgery and my anesthesiologist at the University of Colorado talked me through the procedure and helped me prepare for what was ahead. All I remember after that was waking up and feeling like new! I urge you to team up with the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of Colorado and help them find even more amazing breakthroughs in the treatment of diseases and pain. 
Chris Klug, Olympic Medalist