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Dr. Deborah Cahill, MD, Anesthesiologist
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Dr. Deborah Cahill, MD

Anesthesiologist

593 Eddy Street Davol 129 Providence RI, 02903
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About

A board-certified anesthesiologist, Dr. Deborah Cahill diagnoses and treats patients through Lifespan Physician Group in Rhode Island. As such, she practices at several local hospitals, including Rhode Island Hospital, Hasbro Children’s Hospital and the Miriam Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island. Dr. Cahill is also the director of anesthesia at the RI Surgery Center in Warwick, RI. Academically, she maintains a role as Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, a role she has embraced in 1997. As an anesthesiologist, she has dedicated training and unique experience in the with the total perioperative care of patients before, during, and after surgery.

Education and Training

University of Massachusetts BA 1980

University of Massachusetts Medical School MD 1985

University of Massachusetts / Worcester Campus 1985

Board Certification

American Board of Anesthesiology

board certification in anesthesiology

AnesthesiologyAmerican Board of AnesthesiologyABA- Hospice and Palliative Medicine

Provider Details

FemaleEnglish
Dr. Deborah Cahill, MD
Dr. Deborah Cahill, MD's Expert Contributions
  • Is local anesthesia for hand surgery safe?

    Local anesthesia is absolutely safe for hand surgery.  Depending on the type of surgery you're having you may get local at the site or a nerve block further up the arm or shoulder to completely cover the area of the surgery. You will probably also get some iv anesthesia to keep you relaxed but it is all safe. READ MORE

  • Can nasal polyps be removed under local anesthetic?

    I wouldn’t recommend it. Most polyps are deep into the nasal cavity/sinuses and can bleed a fair amount. It’s not the removing as much as getting to them and dealing with bleeding. We do these cases with general anesthesia and a full breathing tube to protect the airway. READ MORE

  • Do you get sedated for hand surgery?

    Many types of hand surgeries can be done with local anesthesia and sedation. If there is already nerve damage it may require general anesthesia. You will have to discuss this with your surgeon and anesthesiologist. READ MORE

  • What anesthesia is used for laparoscopic hernia surgery?

    Any laparscopic surgery requires General Anesthesia. READ MORE

  • How do you stop nausea after general anesthesia?

    Nausea is a common side effect of GA. There are certain surgeries which are more prone such as GYN, breast, gastric bypass, inner ear and eye muscle surgery. There are very good anti-emetic drugs that can be used and there are anesthetic techniques that can be used for most, but not all surgeries, to minimize post op nausea. READ MORE

  • Can you get breast augmentation under local anesthesia?

    Wouldn’t recommend it. READ MORE

  • What anesthesia is used for liver transplant?

    A liver transplant is a very complex surgery and anesthetic. It is also a lifelong commitment. Your transplant surgeon should be providing a multi disciplinary support group to answer your questions READ MORE

  • What anesthesia is used for lung surgery?

    General anesthesia is required, although I don't know specifically what type of surgery you will be having. An endotracheal tube is usually required for the GA but an epidural catheter may be placed preoperatively. It can be used during the case but is most important for post-op pain control which helps with pulmonary function and healing. READ MORE

  • Is it safe to get anesthesia with diabetes?

    Many people with diabetes have anesthesia safely. It’s important that you be as well controlled as can be and that you go over which medications to not take the am of surgery and if on insulin how to manage it the day of surgery. Often anesthesia will advice on this but may ask for input from your endocrinologist if the surgery is complex. Your glucose will be checked upon arrival to pre op. If your surgery is late in the day you will be given further instructions on checking you glucose at home. Typically patients with diabetes are done earlier in the day Glucose levels can safely managed under anesthesia READ MORE

  • How long does vomiting last after general anesthesia?

    Vomiting is a common side effect after anesthesia. You must make your anesthesiologist aware so your anesthesia can be adjusted There are certainly better antiemetics available today and certainly some medications to be avoided for lessened There are certain surgeries that are more prone to vomiting than others but be sure your anesthesiologist knows the severity of you n/v and if prolonged and with what type of surgeries READ MORE

  • Are you sedated for hemorrhoid surgery?

    Hemorrhoid surgery requires you to be prone. This can be done with general anesthesia and requires a breathing tube placed after you’re asleep and then turned prone. Or you can start off positioning yourself prone with help from nurses and anesthesia and surgeon. Then sedation can begin but it all depends on how good a nerve block your surgeon performs. Discussion between anesthesia and surgeon should take place. Also depends on your body size and other medical issues which is safer for you. READ MORE

  • Is it normal to have loose stools after general anesthesia?

    Lots of medications can cause this especially antibiotics. Narcotics on the other hand can cause significant constipation and should be taken with a stool softener. If diarrhea persists or is severe let your surgeon know. And be sure to keep hydrated in both circumstances. READ MORE

  • How soon after anesthesia can you drive?

    Usually, the next day is ok as long as you’re not taking further narcotics You will probably be told this in your post-op instructions. READ MORE

  • Can you be awake for fibroid surgery?

    You can be awake if you get a spinal or perhaps an epidural anesthetic. With spinal sand epidurals you need to wait around postop until they wear off. If your surgeon is planning laparoscopic surgery you have to have general. If the approach is vaginal you probably still need deep deep sedation which is general anesthesia without a secured airway. A lot depends on location , size ad extent of fibroids. Talk it over but I think your choices are GA or spinal. No need to be afraid of GA - unless you’re had specific complaints which can be addressed with your anesthesiologist ahead of time READ MORE

  • What anesthesia is used for hospice care?

    The anesthesia your father needs is not dependent on hospice. It is dependent on what he needs for the priced. His other medical problems will affect the anesthesia/meds chose but not because he’s in hospice. Often hospice is suspended while surgery is required and will be resumed after recovery. READ MORE

  • Can you be awake for fibroid surgery?

    You can choose a spinal or epidural anesthetic and remain awake. You then have to spend post op time waiting for them to wear off so you can walk out. Any gym surgery is prone to nausea so that exists for GA or spinal. Can certainly be addressed by anesthesiologist. Your fear of GA should be discussed with your anesthesiologist and the possibility of other than GA needs to be discussed between anesthesia and surgeon. Heavy sedation may be possible depending on how your surgeon feels. Heavy sedation may not take care of the surgical stimulation leaving you with an unprotected airway. GA , spinal and heavy sedation all have their set of risks so I would choose whatever gives the surgeon best operating conditions and keeps you safe READ MORE

  • Are you fully sedated for a colonoscopy?

    You are sedated but not fully asleep. This means there may be moments when you may become aware of discomfort, voices, touching. These are short moments if at all. Some depends on whether sedation RN vs anesthesia is administering the sedation. Most people are unaware and remember none of the procedure. But unless you have full general anesthesia (which is really not necessary) there is a rare possibility or remembering the procedure READ MORE

  • Is epidural anesthesia painful?

    Epidural anesthesia should provide complete pain relief from the surgery. It requires the placement of tiny catheter into the epidural space which is outside the dura which covers the spinal cord. The catheter is placed after the epidural space is located with an introducer needle. It takes a skillful person to place the introducer between the vertebrae. Usually some mild seductive is given and the skin and deeper tissues are numbed up with local anesthetic. Once the catheter is placed more numbing medication is put through the catheter until you are numb to the specific level needed. Epidurals are used frequently for labor and sometimes c-sections. Sometimes used as sole anesthetic or for post op pain in conjunction with general anesthesia. It all depends on type of surgery READ MORE

  • How long does epidural anesthesia stay in your system?

    Depends on the type of local anesthetic used. Some are long acting and sometimes a narcotic is added to the mix READ MORE

  • Can sinus surgery be done with local anesthesia?

    I’ve never seen it done but best to check with your surgeon. Most sinus surgery is uncomfortable at best and at times bloody despite attempts to vasoconstrict and apply local anesthetic. The local is basically to provide post op comfort and carry the epinephrine to vasoconstrict. Sinuses can also harbor pus and secretions so your airway should be protected with general anesthesia READ MORE

Areas of expertise and specialization

cancer, cardiology, emergency medicine, neurosciences, orthopedics

Faculty Titles & Positions

  • Director of Anesthesia RI Surgery Center -
  • Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University 1997 - Present

Professional Memberships

  • American Society of Anesthesiologists  
  • Rhode Island Society of Anesthesiologists  
  • Rhode Island Medical Society and Bylaws Committee  
  • American Medical Association  
  • Rhode Island Medical Society  

Fellowships

  • Tufts New England Medical Center  Pediatric Anesthesiology  

Internships

  • St. Vincents Hospital

Fellowships

  • Tufts New England Medical Center0Pediatric Anesthesiology

Professional Society Memberships

  • American Society of Anesthesiologists, the Rhode Island Society of Anesthesiologists, the Rhode Island Medical Society and Bylaws Committee, the American Medical Association, and the Rhode Island Medical Society

Dr. Deborah Cahill, MD's Practice location

Lifespan Physician Group

593 Eddy Street Davol 129 -
Providence, RI 02903
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New patients: 401-444-4933
Fax: 401-444-5090

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Media Releases

Get to know Anesthesiologist Dr. Deborah Cahill, who serves patients in Providence, Rhode Island.

A committed anesthesiologist, Dr. Cahill sees patients within the Department of Anesthesiology at Rhode Island Hospital, Hasbro Children’s Hospital and the Miriam Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island. She is the director of  anesthesia at the RI Surgery Center in Warwick, RI and  also serves as an Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University.

Rhode Island Hospital is the state’s largest hospital, and its only Level I trauma center and verified burn center. The principal teaching hospital of The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, it provides comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services, as well as expertise in cancer, cardiology, emergency medicine, neurosciences, orthopedics and more.

Graduating with her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Massachusetts in 1980, Dr. Cahill earned her medical degree at the University of Massachusetts Medical School in 1985. She completed her internship and residency in internal medicine at St. Vincent’s Hospital in 1988, and her residency in anesthesiology at the Tufts New England Medical Center in 1995. Finally, she completed her fellowship in pediatric anesthesiology at the same educational venue in 1996.

Subsequent to her education, the doctor attained board certification in anesthesiology through the American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA). As the certifying body for anesthesiologists since 1938, the ABA is committed to partnering with physicians to advance lifelong learning and exceptional patient care. Its mission is to advance the highest standards of the practice of anesthesiology.

Professionally, she is an active member of the American Society of Anesthesiologists, the Rhode Island Society of Anesthesiologists, the Rhode Island Medical Society and Bylaws Committee, the American Medical Association, and the Rhode Island Medical Society.

Anesthesiology is the medical specialty concerned with the total perioperative care of patients before, during, and after surgery. It encompasses anesthesia, intensive care medicine, critical emergency medicine, and pain medicine. Anesthesiologists have the primary responsibility of monitoring the patient’s vital signs during surgery. In addition to basic measurements such as pulse, blood pressure, and temperature, they measure the patient’s respiration and make critical adjustments to the anesthesia while closely communicating with the surgical team. 

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