THE DAY OF YOUR PROCEDURE
Although your treatment will be based on your unique medical history and the specific requirements of your procedure, you can read on to get a general idea of what happens before, during, and after your anesthetic treatment.
1. Before the Procedure (holding area):
- You will have an IV placed. This will be the route through which fluids and medication will be given.
- You will meet your anesthesia provider who will review your pre-operative evaluation including all relevant medical history, labs, and studies.
- Your anesthesia provider will discuss the most appropriate options for anesthesia for your procedure along with the risks and benefits. The options depend on the type of surgical procedure and your medical history. When there is choice, your anesthesia provider will discuss your preferences with you. Different types of anesthetics include:
Local Anesthesia - numbs just the tissue in a specific location. There is no sedation given during this type of procedure and an anesthesia provider is not involved in your care.
Regional Anesthesia - your anesthesia provider makes an injection near a cluster of nerves to numb the area (i.e. “region”) of your body that requires surgery. This is done while you are awake, often with sedation, prior to the procedure. You may be given sedation or general anesthesia during the actual procedure (or occasionally remain awake). In any case, you will not see or feel the actual procedure. Examples of regional anesthesia include peripheral nerve blocks, spinals, and epidurals.
MAC (Monitored Anesthesia Care)- sedation is given to provide relaxation and comfort. The surgeon will often numb the area in which they are operating.
General Anesthesia- is given either as a gas breathed through an airway device (e.g. a breathing tube) or intravenously. This has the effect of making you unconscious.
- The anesthesia provider will answer any questions that you have regarding your anesthetic.
- You will sign an informed consent for anesthesia prior to your procedure.
- Sedation is often given through your IV prior to leaving the holding area and entering the OR. This will help calm and relax you.
2. During the Procedure (operating room):
During any type of anesthetic (except those performed under local anesthesia), an anesthesia provider closely monitors your vital signs and other parameters, when necessary, throughout the entire procedure. They will give medication and perform appropriate adjustments, as necessary. At the end of the procedure, the effects of anesthesia are reversed. If you would like to know more specific information about this part of your anesthetic, your anesthesia provider can answer any questions that you may have prior to the procedure.
3. After the Procedure:
After your procedure, you will be brought to the recovery room. In the recovery room, specially trained nurses will monitor you as your recover from anesthesia*. After a period of time, a family member or friend will be able to join you.
*Depending on the type of procedure and medical conditions of the patient, it is occasionally necessary to remain sedated after the procedure with a breathing tube still in place. If this is an expected possibility, your anesthesia provider will discuss this with you. Certain surgeries or medical conditions may require a patient to go directly to the intensive care unit from the operating room.
