Patient Information

ABOUT YOUR ANESTHESIA CARE

Your anesthesia care team may consist of anesthesiologists and/or certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs). Anesthesiologists are highly skilled physicians who specialize in the field of anesthesiology. CRNAs are specially trained registered nurses (RNs) who have successfully completed a two- to three-year accredited nurse anesthesia training program.

PREOPERATIVE EVALUATION

An anesthesiologist or CRNA will speak with you to conduct a preoperative medical screening in order to tailor an anesthesia plan that is right for you. This may occur days before or the day of your surgical procedure.

This assessment will help determine the appropriate type of anesthesia for you. During the preoperative evaluation, you will have an opportunity to ask any questions or discuss any special concerns you may have regarding your anesthesia plan.

PLANNING FOR SURGERY

Your Health Information

Obtaining an accurate health history is important when preparing for surgery. Please be prepared to provide your team with an accurate list of all the medications you are currently taking, including vitamins and herbal medications.

Change in Health

Be sure to contact your physician immediately if your medical condition should change prior to surgery, particularly if you should develop a cold or fever with congestion, since this may compromise breathing and it may be necessary to reschedule your surgery.

Smoking

If you are a smoker and are planning to have surgery, it is recommended that you take steps to quit smoking. Smokers have an increased chance of complications during and after surgery. The sooner you quit before surgery, the greater your chances of avoiding complications. It is especially important not to smoke 24 hours prior to surgery, and to remain off cigarettes for as long as possible after surgery.

Transportation

You must make arrangements for a responsible adult to take you home after your surgery. It is strongly suggested that you arrange to have someone stay with you during the first 12 to 24 hours following surgery. If you have questions about returning to work, please consult your physician.

THE DAY OF SURGERY

For your safety, preoperative instructions must be strictly followed. Neglecting any instructions may result in cancellation of your surgery.

Eating & Drinking

As a general rule, you should not eat or drink anything after midnight before your surgery. ABSOLUTELY DO NOT EAT ANYTHING FOR SIX HOURS BEFORE ANY TYPE OF ANESTHESIA. NO GUM, MINTS OR SUCKING CANDY. In some circumstances you may be given permission by your physician or anesthesiologist/CRNA to have clear liquids up to two hours prior to your surgery. Examples of clear liquids include water, fruit juices WITHOUT pulp, clear tea, and black coffee.

COLONOSCOPY and/or ENDOSCOPY PATIENTS: Please follow your physician’s detailed instructions regarding bowel preparation and ingestion of clear liquids.

Medications

Continue to take your regular medications the morning of surgery with a small sip of water, unless otherwise instructed by your physician.

DIABETICS: Please do not take any insulin injections or oral diabetes medications on the morning of surgery. Perform your usual home testing of blood sugar level.

Clothing / Accessories

Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes that are easy to remove and replace after surgery. Do not wear eye makeup, artificial eyelashes, contact lenses, any jewelry, hairpieces, hairpins, or barrettes. Please leave all valuables at home.

POSTOPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS

You will be provided with written discharge instructions and follow-up information after surgery. Plan to rest for at least 24 hours following surgery and take medications as instructed. It is normal to feel sleepy, drowsy or fatigued following surgery. Complete recovery from anesthesia may take hours or even days. You may have an unsettled stomach or a poor appetite, so remember to eat light foods (apple juice, toast, and soup) for the first day or so after surgery. For at least 12 hours after receiving anesthesia, we strongly suggest that you do not drive, make any important business decisions, or drink alcoholic beverages. If you have questions about returning to work, please consult your physician.

Scratchy Throat

It is not uncommon to experience a scratchy throat from anesthesia. This usually goes away within 24 hours. Gargling with warm water or using a Chloraseptic® spray may provide relief. If this problem persists, please contact your physician.

Swollen IV Site

It is not uncommon for a bruise to form at the IV site. Elevating the affected area and applying a warm compress may relieve your symptoms. However, if you notice the site becoming red, hot, tender, swollen, or infected, or you begin experiencing a fever, please call your physician immediately. If after business hours, please visit your local emergency room.

If you have any unusual symptoms or unexpected changes in your condition, please call your physician.

Anesthesia Billing Questions

Anesthesia fees are independent of any other fees. We recommend contacting your insurance carrier(s) to see if you are covered. Note that you will need to provide the name of the anesthesia entity when confirming insurance participation. Please contact your physician’s office or Somnia to obtain this information. Co-payments, co-insurance and deductibles are due upon receipt of any bill.

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