Who is my anesthesiologist?
Similar to a radiologist, pathologist or cardiologist, your anesthesiologist is a medical doctor who has completed college, four years of medical school, internship and a residency in anesthesiology. Anesthesiologists are the physicians trained to administer and manage anesthesia given during a surgical procedure. They are also responsible for managing and treating changes in your critical life functions - breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure - as they are affected by the surgery being performed. Further, they immediately diagnose and treat any medical problems that might arise during and immediately after surgery. An estimated 40 million anesthetics are administered each year in this country.
When will I meet my anesthesiologist?
Most of the time, you will meet your anesthesiologist on the day of your surgery. Sometimes you will be contacted beforehand. At this time, your anesthesiologist will briefly gather some basic medical information and inform you about what to expect. This is a good time to ask questions.
What types of anesthesia are available?
Decisions regarding your anesthesia services are tailored specifically for you. The type of anesthesia you receive depends on your general health and the type of surgical procedure. Of course, your preferences and the needs of your surgeon are very important too.
There are four main types of anesthesia from which to choose:
- General anesthesia provides loss of consciousness and loss of sensation.
- Regional anesthesia services involve the injection of a local anesthetic to provide numbness, loss of pain or loss of sensation to a large region of the body. Regional anesthetic techniques include spinal blocks, epidural blocks and arm and leg blocks.
- Monitored anesthesia care/sedation consists of medications to make you drowsy and to relieve pain. These medications supplement local anesthetic injections, which are often given by your surgeon.
- Local anesthesia, which provides numbness to a small area, is often injected by your surgeon. In most circumstances, an anesthesiologist will not be present.
Although uncommon, complications or side effects can occur with each anesthetic option.
What is ambulatory anesthesia? Decisions regarding your anesthesia services are tailored specifically for you. The type of anesthesia you receive depends on your general health and the type of surgical procedure. Of course, your preferences and the needs of your surgeon are very important too.
Preoperative Questions
What about eating or drinking before my anesthesia? Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, do not eat any solid food for eight hours before any type of anesthesia. No gum, no mints or sucking candy; no snacks. If you consume these items your surgery may be cancelled. Your anesthesiologist or surgeon may give you special instructions.
Will I need someone to take me home? Yes, you should make arrangements for a responsible adult to take you home after your surgery. Unless your surgeon advises you otherwise, it is strongly suggested that you have someone stay with you during the first 24 hours.
Should I take my usual medicines?
Some medications should be taken and others should not. It is important to discuss this with your anesthesiologist or doctor. If you are unsure, please bring the bottles of medicines with you the morning of surgery.
What should I wear? If at all possible, wear loose-fitting clothes that are easy to put on and take off. Leave your valuables at home.
Anesthesia Main