Dr. Andrew Wai Yuen Lee – Anesthesiologist | St Catharines, ON

With expertise in Anesthesiology, Dr. Andrew Wai Yuen Lee ensures patients receive appropriate anesthetic management tailored to their needs. Practicing primarily at facilities in St Catharines, ON, he contributes to the surgical and procedural teams, adhering strictly to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Dr. Lee provides comprehensive care in Anesthesiology, focusing on patient safety and comfort during all stages of procedures. His approach emphasizes evidence-based practices to optimize outcomes and minimize risks for all patients requiring anesthesia services.

Dr. Lee graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Toronto in 2006. He has been practicing as a specialist in Anesthesiology since 2011, accumulating over 13 years of experience. He is certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, reflecting his specialization and commitment to maintaining high standards of clinical excellence. His certifications underscore his dedication to continuous professional development and adherence to national standards.

Guided by a philosophy rooted in evidence-based medicine, Dr. Lee is committed to delivering safe, effective, and individualized anesthesia care. He prioritizes patient safety in St. Catharines, ensuring that each patient receives personalized management tailored to their health status and procedural needs. Fluent in English, he communicates clearly and compassionately, aiming to alleviate anxiety and provide reassurance throughout the perioperative experience.

• Pre-Anesthetic Assessment and Consultation: Thorough evaluation of patient health, medical history, medications, and surgical/procedural plan to create the safest and most effective anesthesia plan.
• Anesthesia for Outpatient/Ambulatory Surgery: Providing safe and effective anesthesia tailored for procedures where patients are expected to go home the same day.
• Monitored Anesthesia Care (MAC) / Sedation: Providing varying levels of sedation (light to deep) and analgesia, combined with close monitoring of vital signs, for procedures not requiring general anesthesia.
• Fluid and Blood Product Management: Administering intravenous fluids and blood products as needed during procedures to maintain hemodynamic stability.
• General Anesthesia Administration: Inducing and maintaining a controlled state of unconsciousness ('sleep') using intravenous or inhaled medications, ensuring patient comfort and immobility during major surgery.

Note: This list outlines typical areas of anesthetic practice. The specific anesthetic plan for your procedure will be determined by Dr. Lee (or an associate) in consultation with you and your surgeon/proceduralist based on your health and the requirements of the procedure. Subspecialty services like chronic pain management may require a separate referral pathway.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).

Dr. Lee primarily practices at St. Joseph's Health Centre in St. Catharines, ON, conveniently situated near central St. Catharines. The facility is close to local points of interest such as the downtown core and the Welland Canal. Accessible via local public transit routes, the hospital provides easy access for patients coming from various parts of the city and surrounding areas. The hospital’s infrastructure is designed to accommodate all visitors, with the facility being wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility, offering convenient options for patients and visitors attending appointments or procedures.

How is payment handled for anesthesia care with Dr. Lee? Is it covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?

In ON, medically necessary anesthesia services provided by specialists like Dr. Lee during provincially insured surgical or medical procedures are typically covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). Pre-anesthetic consultations related to these procedures are also usually covered. Fees for specific uninsured services (e.g., certain non-medically required procedures, form completion) may apply based on provincial guidelines. Please confirm coverage with Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) for specific circumstances.

Can I directly request Dr. Lee for my anesthesia?

While you can discuss preferences with your surgeon, the assignment of an Anesthesiologist is typically managed by the hospital's anesthesia department or the surgical group based on scheduling, expertise required, and availability. Your surgeon arranges the necessary anesthesia care, which includes consultation with an anesthesiologist like Dr. Lee from the team covering your procedure.

What happens in the recovery room (PACU)?

After your procedure under general or regional anesthesia/sedation, you will be taken to the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), also known as the recovery room. Specially trained nurses will closely monitor your breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen level, and level of consciousness as you wake up. They will also manage any immediate pain or nausea under the guidance of the anesthesia team.

What about nausea and vomiting after anesthesia?

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) can occur, but Anesthesiologists like Dr. Lee use strategies to prevent it, especially for patients at higher risk. This may include specific anesthetic techniques, administering anti-nausea medications before, during, or after the procedure, and ensuring adequate hydration. If you do experience nausea, effective treatments are available in the recovery room.

Is it possible to wake up during general anesthesia?

Awareness under general anesthesia is extremely rare with modern techniques and monitoring used by Anesthesiologists like Dr. Lee. Specialized monitors help track the depth of anesthesia, and drug doses are carefully adjusted throughout the procedure to ensure you remain safely unconscious and unaware.

St Joseph's Health Centre
1200 Fourth Avenue, Department of Emergency Medicine
St Catharines, ON L2S 0A9

Phone: (905) 378-4647

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Lee is a licensed physician regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Medicine Act, 1991 in ON. Anesthesia services are typically arranged through the hospital or clinic where your procedure is scheduled.

Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Lee-Andrew-Wai-Yuen/0233753-84756