What to expect on the day of your procedure: |
You will receive information on where to arrive on your procedure date. Most patients who have surgery can expect to arrive in Day Surgery about an hour before your scheduled start time. Some patients who are having EGDs or colonoscopies may be asked to arrive in the GI Lab prior to their scheduled procedure.
You will be checked in by one of our registered nurses who will ask you questions about your general health and medication use. Anticipate that your anesthesiologist will have already reviewed your specific medical history to devise your patient-specific anesthesia plan. You will meet your anesthesiologist well before your scheduled surgery start time, and they will be happy to answer any questions you may have. |
What type of anesthesia will you have? |
Not all procedures are the same, and therefore not all anesthesia is the same. Your procedure may be done under general anesthesia or monitored anesthesia care with or without the additional of a regional anesthesia technique.
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What is the difference between general anesthesia and monitored anesthesia care? |
General anesthesia is reserved for major surgeries and those procedures that may be painful or take a long time. A breathing tube or small mask may be placed into your airway once you are asleep. With this you can expect to have a sore throat and/or dry throat after your procedure that should resolve over 1-2 days.
With monitored anesthesia care, you are given mild to moderate sedation for your procedure. This type of anesthesia is usually reserved for shorter and less painful procedures. You can expect to be comfortable during your procedure and will likely fall asleep at times. No matter what type of anesthesia you have, your anesthesiologist will be with you and monitor your vitals closely during your entire procedure. Your anesthesiologist will be very vigilant to ensure your blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation remain safe while you are under anesthesia. |
What is regional anesthesia? |
Regional anesthesia is a specific type of anesthesia that may be offered to you for your procedure. This includes nerve blocks with medications that will numb the area around your procedure site. If you are a candidate for this type of anesthesia, such as during a total knee replacement, your anesthesiologist will explain the risks and benefits of this type of anesthesia.
If you have questions about an adductor canal nerve block or catheter, please click here. |