Patient Survey | Patient Privacy Policy
- What is an anesthesiologist?
- Will any one else participate in my anesthetic?
- When will I meet the anesthesia care team?
- Will someone from anesthesia be with me throughout my procedure?
- How will my pain be controlled?
- Should I anticipate any side effects from my anesthetic?
- Could I wake up during anesthesia?
- What are the risks of anesthesia?
1. What is an anesthesiologist?
An anesthesiologist is a physician who has completed four years of medical school, an internship, and a three-year residency specializing in anesthesiology. An anesthesiologist is responsible for evaluating and preparing the patient prior to the anesthetic, medical management of the anesthetic and of the patient during the procedure, and care of the patient during the anesthesia recovery period. Some anesthesiologists have also completed a fellowship in an area of specialization within anesthesia, such as pain management or cardiac anesthesia.
2. Will any one else participate in my anesthetic?
Often, an anesthesiologist will work as a team with a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA). Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists are advanced practice nurses who specialize in anesthesia care. Please see the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists website for more information: www.aana.com
3. When will I meet the anesthesia care team?
You will meet your anesthesiologist and nurse anesthetist (if one will be involved in your care) while in the pre-operative holding area prior to your procedure.
4. Will someone from anesthesia be with me throughout my procedure?
Yes. An anesthesiologist and/or nurse anesthetist will be present throughout your entire procedure without interruption (excluding procedures done under local anesthesia).
5. How will my pain be controlled?
The type of pain medication you are given depends on the level of pain experienced, the type of procedure, whether or not you will remain in the hospital after your procedure, and your underlying medical conditions.
Pain control options include the following:
- Intravenous (IV) pain medication - this is often started while the patient is still under anesthesia and is continued in the recovery room. This form is only given in the hospital.
- Oral (PO) pain medication - you can take this type of medication at home or in the hospital if you are tolerating liquids.
- Peripheral Nerve Blocks - this is an option when surgery is being performed on a limb. It is typically performed prior to the procedure, and pain relief can last up to 8 to 24 hours after the block is placed. Certain patients will have the option of having a continuous nerve block catheter placed. In this case, pain relief will last as long as the medication is running through the catheter.
- PCA (patient controlled analgesia) - provides pain relief with medication through an intravenous or epidural catheter. This is for patients after certain types of procedures and who will remain in the hospital. The patient presses a button to receive a dose of pain medication. A PCA helps ensure that a patient gets medication in a timely manner and therefore can help better control pain.
6. Should I anticipate any side effects from my anesthetic?
Most side effects are minor and/or manageable. One common side effect from anesthesia is nausea and/or vomiting (N/V). Certain things increase the risk of N/V such as the type of procedure being performed or a history of N/V. Often, anti-nausea medicine is given before a patient wakes up from their procedure and can also be given in the recovery room. Special steps can be taken if a patient is at high risk for N/V to help prevent or minimize the N/V experienced after anesthesia.
Some patients may experience a sore throat if an airway device was placed during their anesthetic. The discomfort is usually minor and should resolve within 24 hours.
7. Could I wake up during anesthesia?
In the operating room, many different parameters are monitored to ensure that an adequate amount of anesthesia is given and that the patient is asleep and comfortable. In every day surgery, what is known as “awareness”, is very rare. Although it is still uncommon, certain situations may place a patient at higher risk for awareness, such as trauma surgery or a cesarean delivery under general anesthesia. These types of patients may be unstable and unable to tolerate normal levels of anesthesia. Most patients do not fall into this category and are given a dose of anesthesia that will provide unconsciousness throughout the procedure. On the rare occasions it happens, patient awareness is usually fleeting, not traumatic and usually does not involve any experience of pain. Often patients may dream during surgery or have some perception of their surroundings before or after surgery. This is not awareness.
If you do believe that you’ve experienced true awareness, it is important to communicate this with the anesthesia care team.
8. What are the risks of anesthesia?
The specific risks are often related to a patient’s underlying health conditions as well as the type of procedure being performed. See safety.
