For Our Patients
Here is some information for our patients...
 Are there different kinds of anesthesia?
There are four main categories of anesthesia: general, regional, monitored and local anesthesia. Each has many forms and uses.
With general anesthesia, you are unconscious and have no awareness or other sensations. There are a number of general anesthetic drugs. Some are gases or vapors inhaled through a breathing mask or tube and others are medications introduced through a vein. During anesthesia, your vital signs are carefully monitored, controlled and treated by your anesthesiologist, who uses sophisticated equipment to track all your major bodily functions. A breathing tube may be inserted through your mouth and frequently into the windpipe to maintain proper breathing during this period. The length and level of anesthesia is calculated and constantly adjusted with great precision. At the end of your surgery, your anesthesiologist will reverse the process and you will regain awareness in the recovery room.
With regional anesthesia, your anesthesiologist makes an injection near a cluster of nerves to numb the area of your body that requires surgery. You may remain awake, or given a sedative. You will not see or feel the actual surgery take place. There are several kinds of regional anesthesia. Two of the most frequently used are spinal anesthesia and epidural anesthesia, which are produced by injections in the appropriate areas of the back. This type of anesthesia is frequently used for childbirth and prostate surgery.
With local anesthesia, the anesthetic drug is usually injected into the tissue to numb just the specific location of your body requiring minor surgery such as the hand or foot and in most cases is administered exclusively by your surgeon.
May I request what type of anesthesia I will receive?
In certain situations you can; some surgeries can be performed using a choice of different anesthetics. Your Anesthesiologist will discuss your options after reviewing your medical history.
Will I receive a sedative prior to my surgery?
Your Anesthesiologist will develop a care plan with you which may include preoperative sedation, along with other medications if necessary. During the first step (induction) of your anesthesia when you "drift off to sleep" the more common "induction agent" used today is Propofol, which has less side effects in particular less nausea.
Are there risks associated with anesthesia?
Risks are associated with all operations and anesthetics, dependent on many factors, including type of surgery and the patient’s medical condition. The risk of major complication(s) in an otherwise healthy person is extremely low. You will be assessed preoperatively and your Anesthesiologist will take every precaution possible to minimize risk.
If I take medications regularly, should I take them as prescribed?
Your Anesthesiologist, and your surgeon, will instruct you as to which medications you must take. You may take them with a sip of water on the day of surgery.
As a reminder, please bring all of your medications with you on the day of your preoperative evaluation.
May I drive home?
Patients are not permitted to drive on the same day of surgery. Patients will not be permitted to walk or take public transportation home after sedation or general anesthesia and/or regional anesthesia; appropriate transportation arrangements must be made.
Must I refrain from eating and/or drinking prior to surgery?
You will be instructed as to specific times prior to surgery when you must refrain from eating and/or drinking. The reason for this is to prevent the risk of aspirating gastric contents during your surgery. There are never guidelines about when and what may be eaten by patients prior to surgery so ask your doctor at the pre-operative evaluation.
Is there separate billing for my anesthesia?
Yes, you will receive a separate bill for your anesthesia services. Please refer to the “Billing Section” on this website for further information.
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