Frequently Asked Questions About Anesthesia
Why can’t I eat or drink before
surgery?
The primary reason is safety. Having food or liquid in your
stomach at the time of surgery, can put you at risk for vomiting
while under anesthesia and lead to aspiration into the lungs,
which could be life threatening.
What are the side affects of
anesthesia?
After your surgery it is not uncommon to experience drowsiness,
pain or nausea.
Depending on the anesthetic technique used for your surgery, you
may experience some residual drowsiness that can last a few hours
or days. It is very important that you bring someone to drive you
home. It is recommended that for 24 hours following your surgery,
you should not drive, operate any machinery, sign any legal
documents or drink alcohol.
Depending on your surgery you can experience some residual pain
after your surgery. The amount of discomfort you experience can
depend on the type and length of the surgery. The staff at the
surgery facility is experienced at making you comfortable and
will work towards that goal.
Nausea after surgery (Post-Operative-Nausea-Vomiting) is not as
common as it used to be. Improved anesthetic techniques and more
effective anti-nausea medicines have enabled our success against
nausea. We will do everything we can to avoid or greatly reduce
nausea after your surgery.
If you have any special considerations or concerns please consult
your anesthesia provider prior to your surgery.
Who will be doing my anesthesia?
Your anesthesia will be administered by highly trained CRNAs
and/or an anesthesiologist. All our anesthesia staff is board
certified or eligible, with many years of experience. Your
anesthesia provider will prepare you for your procedure and stay
with you assuring your comfort and safety throughout the surgery.
They will accompany you to the recovery area and assure your safe
transition to the receiving recovery nurse.

Are there risks with Anesthesia?
All surgeries and all anesthetics have some risk associated with
them. These risks depend upon many factors, like your medical
condition and the type of surgery you are having. Fortunately,
adverse events are extremely rare. Keep in mind that your
anesthesia provider will do everything they can to reduce or
eliminate any potential risks by always putting safety first.
If you have any specific conditions or past medical history, we
encourage you to consult your anesthesia provider prior to your
surgery.
Should I take my usual medicines?
Many medicines can and should be taken while others should not.
It is important to discuss this issue with your surgeon or
anesthesiologist in order to prevent any adverse effects. Do not
interrupt any medication unless your anesthesia provider or
surgeon specifically instructs you to do it.