BEFORE YOUR SURGERY
Before your surgery, the anesthesiologist or CRNA will examine and evaluate you to determine the type of anesthesia you will receive.
Drug Allergies – Your anesthesia consultant will ask if you have experienced any problems with drugs administered during previous surgical procedures which will assist the anesthesia consultant select and administer the appropriate anesthetic.
Food and Drink Before Surgery – You should avoid all food and drink for 12 hours before surgery. If you eat or drink within 12 hours of surgery there is a greater chance of some complications because of the anesthesia. Aspiration is a common problem if you do not have an empty stomach. Emergency surgery is an exception to the rule of no eating or drinking shortly before surgery, and special precautions can be taken to minimize the risk in that situation. When planning your surgery, ask your surgeon about eating and drinking restrictions.
Vital Body Sign Sensors – Body monitors will connect to monitors in the operating room. The anesthesiology team monitors your vital signs during the procedure.
Intravenous (IV) Line – The IV line is for the injection of the anesthesia, fluid therapy, and pain and nausea medications.
Pre-Operative Preparation – During your pre-op examination, be sure to ask the anesthesiologist or CRNA any questions or concerns you have. Be sure to inform the anesthesiology team of:
· Food and drink you have consumed during the past 12-24 hours
· Any bad experience during previous surgeries
· Drug allergies
· Special dental work (implants, dentures, bridges, etc.).
DURING YOUR SURGERY
Anesthesia Drugs – The practice of anesthesia continues to improve every year. Newer drugs have fewer side effects and complications; if you’ve had complications with anesthesia previously, the anesthesia team must know this information to administer the proper drugs in the proper dosage.
Breathing Tubes – If you are having local or regional anesthesia or sedation during your surgery, you will probably need only an oxygen mask. Breathing often must be assisted during the course of your operation or procedure, and if so, most commonly, it will be with the use of an endotracheal (breathing) tube or a laryngeal mask airway (LMA).
If you need an endotracheal tube, it will be placed into your windpipe by passing it through the vocal cords using a laryngoscope until you can breathe on your own.
Dental Work and Teeth – If you need an endotracheal tube, your anesthesia provider will take every precaution to avoid any complications during the placement and removal of it. The most common risks of an endotracheal tube are a sore throat following surgery and potential damage to loose or sensitive teeth or dental work. Be sure to advise the anesthesia provider of any special dental work (false teeth, bridges, etc.) or if you have experienced any problems with a breathing tube during prior surgeries.
Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA) – An alternative to the tube is for the anesthesia provider to use a Laryngeal Mask Airway instead of an endotracheal tube. The LMA is assists your breathing with a less likelihood of a sore throat. The LMA is frequently used for shorter surgery cases.
Anesthesia Machines – Anesthesia machines are used by anesthesia providers to deliver the safest of anesthetics to you during your surgery and to closely monitor your health. The machine controls the flow of oxygen, air, nitrous oxide and anesthesia gases.
Awareness Under Anesthesia – Awareness during surgery is very unlikely. Anesthesia providers constantly monitor and administer the proper level of anesthetic agents necessary to keep you asleep and pain-free during your surgery.
AFTER YOUR SURGERY
After your surgery or procedure, an anesthesiologist or CRNA will monitor your care in the recovery room where you will recover and awaken from the anesthesia in the PACU.
Your recovery time from anesthesia will vary depending on the type of medications used, type and duration of surgery, and your special needs. You will be discharged to your hospital room or home as soon as it is deemed safe by the care team.
Nausea and Vomiting – Some patients experience nausea and vomiting after surgery. Before surgery, let your anesthesia providers know if you have experienced nausea or vomiting previously after surgery. You may be given medications to reduce the risk of nausea. Inform your recovery room nurse if you feel nauseous.
Discomfort and Pain – You may experience some discomfort or pain after your surgery. Medication to relieve your discomfort or pain will be available to you. Let the recovery room nurse if you experience any pain.
Drowsiness after Anesthesia is Normal – You will be sleepy and drowsy after surgery, and may be drowsy for a couple of days or longer depending on your surgical procedure.
