Patient Info

Yes. There are many kinds of anesthesia and each type may have different forms and applications.

Local Anesthesia
An anesthetic drug is typically injected into the tissue to numb the specific location of your body that requires minor surgery.

Regional Anesthesia
An injection is made near a cluster of nerves to numb the portion or region of your body that requires surgery. Spinal and epidural are the most common types of regional anesthesia, in which injections are made into areas of the back with precision and care. Regional anesthesia may also be used to reduce post-procedure pain. When a regional anesthetic is given you may be provided with a sedative or awake for the procedure, however you will not see or feel the actual surgery.

Sedation 
The administration of sedative drugs to relieve anxiety and pain of a medical or diagnostic procedure. Under moderate or deep sedation you may fall asleep, but you will have the ability to wake up easily and respond to people in the room. You also may be able to respond to verbal cues.

General Anesthesia
The anesthesia provider administers medication, rendering you unconscious. This is through the use of anesthetic drugs like gases and vapors inhaled through a breathing mask or tube, as well as medications introduced through a vein. Throughout anesthesia, your anesthesia provider will carefully monitor and control your major bodily functions. Routinely, a breathing tube is inserted through your mouth and frequently into the windpipe to maintain proper airway functions during this period. The anesthesia provider will continuously monitor and adjust the length and level of anesthesia as needed throughout the procedure. After surgery your provider will reverse the process so you slowly regain consciousness in the postoperative recovery area.

All procedures and all types of anesthesia carry some risks. Most will depend on outside factors such as the type of surgery and your current medical condition. While adverse events may occur they are rare. Anesthesia providers are well trained and take many precautions to minimize these risks, preventing potential adverse events. Your provider will review the risks with you prior to surgery and you will have an opportunity to discuss the risks that apply to your anesthesia with your anesthesia provider.

It is important to disclose all medications you are currently taking (both prescription and over the counter) or bring a list with you the day of surgery. Some medications may or may not be taken the day of surgery, and it is important to discuss this with your surgeon or primary care provider prior to surgery to determine what medications can be taken.

Patients who are taking prescribed narcotics should continue with their dose of medication the day of surgery with a small sip of water up to the time of admission to the facility. Patients who use Duragesic Patches should wear their patch in an area that is away from the site of surgery.

Fasting Guidelines for Elective Surgery (Pediatric & Adult):
· 2 Hours for Clear Liquids (e.g. water, juices without pulp, carbonated beverages, black coffee without cream, and these liquids should not include alcohol)
· 4 Hours for Breast Milk
· 6 Hours for Light Meal (typically consists of toast and clear liquids or infant formula)
· 8 Hours for Normal Meal* (e.g. dairy, orange juice, fried or fatty foods, meats, nuts, gastric tube feeds)

The fasting periods noted above apply to patients aged greater than 1. Parents should contact the facility for specific guidelines if the child is under one (1) year of age. If your facility is instructing you not to take anything after midnight, please follow their instructions. If you have any specific questions regarding fasting guidelines please contact the facility where you surgery is scheduled or your surgeon’s office.
**We would encourage you to eat light, low fat meals. Both the amount and type of food ingested must be considered when determining the appropriate fasting period.

There is some evidence that suggests a brief abstinence from cigarette smoking (e.g., abstaining from smoking on the morning of surgery) can dramatically reduce both nicotine and carbon monoxide levels and reduce risks for some perioperative complications.

We encourage all patients to abstain from cigarette smoking after midnight (12:00 AM) on the day of surgery.

Once your requesting provider is ready to proceed with an epidural, your doctor or anesthesia provider will place the epidural block in your lower back while you are either sitting up or lying on your side. First, the anesthesia provider will use a local anesthetic to numb your back. A special needle will then be placed in order to access epidural space. A tiny catheter will be inserted through the needle into the back to deliver the anesthetic and the needle will then be removed.