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Your surgical experience begins when your surgeon books your upcoming procedure with the hospital. At this point, it is necessary for us to start gathering information about you as our future patient. In order to provide a safe anesthetic and to minimize the chances of last minute cancellations, each patient must be evaluated preoperatively. The preoperative process progresses stepwise:
We understand that surgery can be a daunting experience. Therefore, we try to minimize many of the issues that can lead to anxiety or concern. As part of the pre-operative process, we have a system in place for gathering patient medical histories in advance (Please see Pre Operative Assessment page). This allows our attending anesthesiologists to review your medical history, to acquire any necessary lab work or testing, and to custom tailor an anesthestic plan for a safer and better outcome.
On the day of surgery, once you have registered you will be brought back to our preop holding area. You will be greeted by a pre-op holding nurse, who will measure your vital signs, review your medical history, start an IV (if needed), and give any preop medications that were ordered by your surgeon or anesthesiologist.
Later, you will be interviewed by your attending anesthesiologist, who will discuss your medical history and formulate an anesthetic plan with you. This is a great opportunity to ask any questions you might have regarding your anesthesia. Shortly afterwards, you will also be introduced to one of our certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) who completes Anesthesia Care Team. Our CRNAs along with the attending anesthesiologist are responsible for your well-being while you are in surgery. While you are in surgery, a member of the Anesthesia Care Team will always be present.
Prior to your surgery, your surgeon and the OR nursing staff will also speak with you to answer any last minute questions you might have. After all the medical personnel have spoken with you, a sedative is often given as we proceed into the surgical suite. This sedative often causes an amenestic effect, so you may not remember going to the operating room.
Once your surgery is completed, our team will bring you the Post Anesthesia Care Unit for a recovery period. As your anesthesia begins to wear off, you will be closely monitored for pain and any side effects that develop from your anesthesia. Once you have sufficiently recovered from anesthesia, the recovery room nurses will admit you to the hospital surgical floor or give you discharge instructions and prescriptions for outpatient procedures.
**Please note that depending on a discussion between the patient, surgeon, and anesthesiologist these generalized lists may change. A patient's medical history and the surgeons preference strongly influence which anesthetic type will be used.
The following are helpful links that can provide information about our specialty, current issues in anesthesiology and site to obtain information regarding the facilities where your operation will take place.