General Surgery Anesthesia Division

We provide comprehensive, expert care for patients undergoing surgeries that require general anesthesia.

The Division of General Surgery Anesthesia at Massachusetts General Hospital is the largest provider of anesthetic services within the Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine (DACCPM). A leader in delivering safe, high-quality perioperative care, the division works closely with the surgical departments at Mass General and the Pain Management Center to develop specialized anesthetic plans to meet a patient’s specific needs. We care for patients undergoing the following types of surgeries and procedures:

• Bariatric surgery
• Burn surgery
• General surgery
• Gastrointestinal endoscopy
• Gynecologic surgery
• Gynecologic oncology procedures
• In-vitro fertilization
• Non-cardiothoracic transplantation surgery
• Plastic surgery
• Surgical oncology procedures
• Trauma surgery
• Urological surgery

Our anesthesiologists are national and international experts who specialize in anesthesia for highly complex surgeries. As part of an integrated care team, anesthesiologists collaborate across disciplines to identify solutions to challenging cases, providing a high level of skill and knowledge to guide a patient safely through surgery.

The Patient Experience

If you are a patient needing surgery, you will have the opportunity to meet with your anesthesiologist and other members of your care team on the day of your surgery. Your anesthesiologist will discuss with you any anesthesia- and pain-related questions that you may have, as well as what to expect before, during and after your procedure.

If you have had complications with anesthesia or pain management during previous surgeries or procedures, our specialists can meet with you before the day of your surgery to review your medical history, discuss appropriate options and develop a specialized treatment plan. We are committed to providing you with the best care possible at all points in your treatment.

Transforming the Field of Anesthesia

Our anesthesiologists conduct well-known, innovative research in anesthesia and related fields, serve in leadership positions at relevant medical societies, speak at national and international conferences, publish frequently and teach courses on anesthesia.

Opportunities to participate in clinical research studies are available to patients. If you are interested in participating in a study, your doctor can help determine whether you qualify and will provide you with detailed information to review.

Leadership Team

Hovig Chitilian, MD
Division Chief, multispecialty anesthesia
Director, liver transplant anesthesia

Daniel Ellis, MD
Director, anesthesia for gynecology, genitourinary and renal transplant surgery

Katarina Ruscic, MD, PhD
Director, anesthesia for plastic, reconstructive and breast oncologic surgery

J. Cres Simpson, MD
Director, anesthesia for hepatobiliary, bariatric and general surgery

Jamie Sparling, MD
Director, anesthesia for trauma and burn surgery

Jingping Wang, MD, PhD
Team Leader, anesthesia for in-vitro fertilization

Investing in Future Leaders

The Division of General Surgery Anesthesia provides opportunities for fellows and residents to study under some of the field’s leading experts. Through complex cases and hands-on training, fellows and residents develop skills centered on innovative patient care.

The Mass General Difference

Mass General has consistently been recognized as a top hospital in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. This recognition is based on our quality of care, patient safety, and reputation in more than a dozen clinical specialties. Our commitment to excellence means that we work to ensure that you receive the best care at all points during your visit. Our patients benefit from shared expertise, leading research, and our commitment to quality and excellence.