Helpful Resources
About Anesthesia
There are several main types of anesthesia:
General Anesthesia
General anesthesia refers to anesthesia where the patient is completely unconscious or ‘asleep’. General anesthesia may be administered through IVs, through inhaled agents or both. During general anesthesia a tube may be placed into the patient’s mouth to help them breathe.
Regional Anesthesia
Regional anesthesia is where a portion of the body is numbed, and is typically administered by one or more injections. A common example is an epidural for childbirth.
Sedation Anesthesia / Monitored Anesthesia Care
Sedation can also be called monitored anesthesia care (MAC), conscious sedation or twilight sedation, and may be administered by pills, injections or infusions. Sedation is often provided for procedures such as colonoscopies.
Other Anesthesia
Anesthesia can also include specialized nerve blocks, injections, infusions and multiple pain management procedures.
Your Anesthesia Care Team
Your anesthesia care team will include one or more of these professionals: an anesthesiologist, a nurse anesthetist, or an anesthesia assistant.
Anesthesiologists are doctors who have completed college, 4 years of medical school, 4 years of anesthesiology residency, and ongoing training in anesthesiology.
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are advanced practice nurses who have completed a college degree in nursing, have completed at least a master’s program in anesthesia, and who have experience in critical care nursing, and undergo ongoing training.
Anesthesia assistants are professionals who have completed a college degree, and who have completed a master’s program in anesthesiology, and have ongoing training.
The Day of Surgery
Before your surgery
- Do not eat or drink for 8 hours before your surgery, including water, coffee, gum, and candy. Any amount of food or drink may be a health risk and can result in your surgery being cancelled.
- Do not use any recreational drugs or alcohol for the 24 hours before your surgery.
- Bring your medications and supplements with you to show your care team.
- Consult with your physicians about which of your medications you should take, and which you should not take, on the day of surgery.
- Arrange for a family member or trusted friend to drive you home after the surgery. You will not be permitted to drive
During your surgery
- The anesthesia care team will interview you and discuss the anesthesia plan with you.
- The anesthesia provider or providers will be responsible for your comfort and care throughout the procedure while the surgical team performs the surgery.
After your surgery
- You will spend some time in a recovery area.
- When you have awakened and you have been cleared to leave, you will be discharged to your ride.
- You should expect some drowsiness.
- Do not drive a car, operate machinery or make any significant decisions for the 24 hours following your surgery.
- Do not use any recreational drugs or alcohol for the 24 hours following your surgery.
The information here does not constitute complete information or instructions and should not be relied upon for your specific circumstances. Discuss your surgery and anesthesia with your providers.
The information here does not constitute complete information or instructions and should not be relied upon for your specific circumstances. Discuss your surgery and anesthesia with your providers.