Anesthesia FAQs

When having a pre-surgical consultation with your doctor, they will determine whether or not you will have to go under anesthesia. Complications may occur if the patient is awake or aware of what is happening during the procedure. For those patients who are having surgery or receiving anesthesia for the first time, they may have some questions beforehand including what may happen after the procedure. Here are some anesthesia FAQS for general surgery and anesthesia, and the answers may vary depending on the type of surgery and your doctor’s preferences.  

What is the Health History of the Patient?

The number one asked question for physicians is the health history of the patient. Past experiences for the patient may alter and change the procedure and anesthesia. Medications being taken or allergies suffered can also affect the process of anesthesia. 

What type of Anesthesia will I be Receiving?

Another question typically asked is what are the different types of anesthesia you may be receiving? The most common ways to receive anesthesia are injected in the arm or inhaled through a mask. The patient may request a certain way to receive it depending on how they feel about it, but the doctor may feel more comfortable with one option insisting that it’s done that way over the other for medical reasons. Injection through IV usually has a shorter recovery time than through a mask which makes the patient more tired for a longer period of time. Depending on the patient and type of surgery, the doctor will determine which one is more suitable. 

How do I Prepare for Surgery?

How to prepare for surgery is another area of interest for most patients. What needs to be done to prevent any complications for the doctor? Avoiding solid food for several hours before surgery, following all doctor’s instructions, and possibly stopping certain medications that may interfere with the anesthesia are all common recommendations leading up to a procedure. The doctor or medical assistant will go over all the pre-surgical procedures and recommendations with the patient to ensure a safe and controlled environment. 

What are the Common Side Effects of Anesthesia?

Common side effects is another area of interest for most patients preparing for a procedure. Some side effects can occur, but are very minor consisting of nausea, dry mouth, tiredness, and a sore throat. These side effects may not occur at all or appear suddenly depending on the patient. Also, on occasion, there are more serious complications after surgery due to the anesthesia, but they are very rare. 

Most questions you have can be answered by the doctor or staff on hand. It is always beneficial to the patient and staff if the patient is well-prepared and knowledgeable of the proper directions for any operation. By doing this, the procedure runs more smoothly and allows the doctor and staff to complete the surgery as planned and allow for a quicker, more routine recovery for the patient.