Anesthesia helps you to not feel pain during your surgery / procedure. It also helps to keep you from moving during your surgery / procedure. The anesthesia team will help you decide what type of anesthesia is best for you.

Types of Anesthesia

General:  The entire body, including the brain is put to sleep. Medicines are given to you through an intravenous (IV) line or an anesthesia mask. During your procedure you will not feel, see or hear anything.

 

Regional:  Achieved by injecting numbing medicine directly to the area where the surgery is to be performed. This type of anesthesia provides muscle relaxation as well as pain relief. It may last for several hours after your surgery / procedure; reducing the need for additional pain relief after your surgery / procedure. You are usually given sedation with this type of anesthesia. Used mainly for leg, arm, and shoulder surgery.

Local:  Numbs a specific area. (Ex. Biopsy and/or pain procedures)

 

Sedation:  Causes you to be drowsy and relaxed, but you are not completely asleep

 

1.  Stop smoking at least one month before your surgery / procedure. Absolutely NO SMOKING after midnight the night before your procedure.

 

2.  If you drink alcohol (beer, wine, liquor), stop drinking at least two days before your procedure.

 

3.  If you drink alcohol (beer, wine, liquor), stop drinking at least two (2) days before your procedure.

 

4.  Have a physical or "check-up" with your family doctor and/or cardiologist.

 

5.  Take your medications as prescribed by your doctor.  Ask you doctor which medications you should stop taking before your procedure and how long before your procedure you should do so.

 

6.  Do not eat or drink anything after midnight on the night before your procedure.  Food or acid in your stomach may be harmful to you when taken with an anesthetic.

 

7.  Make sure your anesthesia team knows about your health history, including any allergies you may have to any medications, loose teeth, serious illness, or any problems you or your family may have had with anesthesia in the past (i.e. Malignant Hyperthermia - MH).

Once your procedure is completed, you will be monitored in the recovery area.  During this period you may be given oxygen and your breathing and heart functions will be observed closely.  In this area, you may be given medication for pain, nausea, or anxiety if needed.

 

Although anesthesia is extremely safe, there are risks to consider.  You may wake up feeling rested from a good nap.  You may wake up pleasant, happy, confused, drowsy, disoriented, or nauseated.  The staff will assist you with anything you need.

 

 

For more information please consult your physician.