Preparing For Surgery
As a general rule, you should not eat or drink anything after midnight before your surgery. Under some circumstances, you may be given permission by your anesthesiologist to drink clear liquids up to a few hours before your procedure.
You will need a responsible adult to take you home after you anesthetic or sedation. You will not be allowed to leave alone or drive yourself home.
Some medications should be taken and others should not. It is important to discuss this with your surgeon. Do not stop any medications unless your surgeon or anesthesia recommends it.
Before Anesthesia
Anesthesia is a major part of your surgery.
During the procedure, anesthesia allows you to be free of pain. All anesthesia care is provided with the highest degree of professionalism, including constant monitoring of every important body function. As changes occur in your reactions to anesthesia, the anesthesia responds with modifications of the anesthetic to ensure your safety and comfort.
In addition to their role in the procedure itself, anesthesiologist make many preparations for you before surgery. You can -- and should -- take an active role in these preparations by communicating and cooperating with your anesthesiologist and your surgeon.
Preoperative interview for ambulatory care
Ambulatory care allows you to go home the same day as your surgery. It is important, however, to provide the same accurate information during the preoperative interview. In addition, preparations should be made before ambulatory surgery for another adult to accompany you to the healthcare facility, drive you home, and monitor your recovery.
During Surgery
Throughout the surgery, an anesthesia provider is in constant attendance, continuously monitoring with specialized equipment, modifying the anesthetic technique as needed, remaining vigilant to detect any medical problems that may arise, and ensuring that your anesthetic course goes smoothly.
After Anesthesia
Anesthesia means freedom from pain during surgery. All anesthesia care is provided with the highest degree of professionalism. Sensitive and sophisticated equipment monitors every important function of your body. In response to your body's reactions, the anesthesiologist modifies your anesthetic as needed.
But anesthesia care is not confined just to surgery. The process also refers to activities that take place -- before and after -- an anesthetic is given. Before anesthesia, a preoperative interview with your anesthesiologist supplies valuable information that helps determine your care. Open communication and cooperation are essential during the interview.
Communication and cooperation are necessary after surgery as well. The medications that you have been given can remain in your body for up to 24 hours after their administration. You are not completely "back to your old self" until the anesthetic has been totally eliminated.
Also during this time, it is still possible for substances entering your body to interact with the anesthetic. Certain substances may cause negative reactions. Therefore, check with your care provider about what medications you can take. Continue to cooperate with your anesthesiologist and surgeon after surgery. Don't hesitate to ask questions.