Frequently Asked Questions About Anesthesia

It's understandable that you will have a certain amount of anxiety regarding anesthesia. The staff is aware of this and works with you before surgery to answer questions and address any concerns you may have. Before your surgery you will receive a patient information packet in the mail detailing the anesthesia processes.

What is anesthesiology?
Anesthesiology is the practice of medicine dedicated to the relief of pain and total care of the surgical patient before, during and after surgery. 

How many types of anesthesia are there?
There are three main categories of anesthesia: local, regional, and general. Each has many forms and uses.

In local anesthesia, the anesthetic drug is usually injected into the tissue to numb a specific location of your body requiring minor surgery, for example, on the shoulder or leg.

In 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 you may be given a sedative. You will not feel the actual surgery take place. There are two types of regional anesthesia-spinal anesthesia and epidural anesthesia. Both are precisely administered in appropriate locations of your back, and are oftentimes used in childbirth and prostate surgery. The main difference between the two is that epidural anesthesia requires more medication than spinal anesthesia for pain blocking effect.

In general anesthesia, you are unconscious and free from pain. Anesthesia is administered in a few different ways: inhalation of gases or vapors through a breathing mask, or intravenous medications introduced through a vein. 

Can I eat or drink before my surgery?
As a general rule, you should not eat or drink anything after midnight.

Should I take my usual medicines?
You may or may not be given the go-ahead to proceed with your medications. Consult with your anesthesiologist.

What does the anesthesiologist or anesthetist do during my surgery?

Working together as a team, the anesthesiologist and the nurse anesthetist are responsible for administering anesthesia to relieve pain and to monitor vital life functions such as heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, body temperature and body fluid balance. Once surgery is complete, the anesthetic is reversed if a general anesthetic is used. Sedation is stopped if a regional anesthetic is used. Patients are then taken to the recovery area for observation.

What are some of the side effects of anesthesia?
Some side effects of anesthesia are sore throat, headache and nausea, but these are temporary and usually wear off within a few hours.

What should I do if I have a pacemaker?
You should bring any information you have regarding your pacemaker to the operating room-the type of pacemaker and the last time it was checked. If possible, ask your cardiologist what the "magnet mode" is for your pacemaker.