Surgery

Preparation for Surgery

Before surgery, the anesthesiologist or anesthesiologist/nurse anesthetist team reviews the medical record to include medications, allergies including drug allergies, results from pre-surgery tests, and previous surgeries or anesthetics, especially if problems or complications arose. Please remember before receiving anesthesia, a patient should not eat after midnight the night before.

Prior to Surgery

Prior to your surgery, the anesthesiologist or anesthesiologist/nurse anesthetist team performing your anesthesia will meet with you fact to face to ask any additional questions he/she may have about your overall health. A brief physical exam may also take place. The anesthesiologist or anesthesiologist/nurse anesthetist team will inform of the anesthesia options and the associated benefits and risks, so that you will have a full understanding and in some instances have the opportunity to participate in the decision-making process. During this time, please ask any questions or express concerns you may have. This is also the chance to explain any unique medical conditions that may affect anesthesia.

During Surgery

A member of the anesthesia care team will be with you during the entire surgery. During your procedure the anesthesiologist or anesthesiologist/nurse anesthetist will monitor your vital signs and administer medications as deemed necessary. They may also monitor IV fluids, blood volume and function of the lungs, kidneys and heart with special monitors.

The anesthesiologist or anesthesiologist/nurse anesthetist team will also be in the recovery room and stay with you until you are stable and the anesthetic wears off.

After Surgery

The effects of the anesthetic may last several hours after surgery. Although not as much as in the past, nausea and vomiting does occur infrequently from the anesthetic. Only about 10-20% of patients experience this and this percentage is affected by the type of procedure. The nausea and vomiting is short-lived, due to the immediate administration for medicine to combat the symptoms.