Physician Anesthesia Service, P.C. - Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

FIRST THE BASICS
RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS
YOUR ANESTHESIA CARE TEAM
GETTING READY FOR SURGERY
PRE-ANESTHESIA INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
BILLING
FINALLY

FIRST THE BASICS

What exactly is Anesthesia?
Simply put, it means the loss of feeling or sensation. Anesthesia is the careful administration of a drug or drugs that allow you to reach this condition so you will remain comfortable and free of pain throughout your surgery and immediately following. Basically, there are three types of anesthesia.

A GENERAL ANESTHETIC acts to put you in a deep sleep so you will be completely unaware of any pain anywhere in your body during the entire operation. Depending on the general anesthetic(s) used, it may be administered through an intravenous line (IV), by breathing an anesthetic gas, or both.

A REGIONAL ANESTHETIC numbs only that part of the body that will be undergoing surgery. You may remain awake and comfortable or sleep lightly during your surgery.

MONITORED SEDATION (MAC) is often used for surgery that is short or not too invasive, such as removing a cataract from the eye. SEDATIVES (medications that relax you) and painkillers are given through an IV line. The area around the surgical site is usually numbed with a LOCAL ANESTHETIC. Patients are frequently sedated prior to the injection of local anesthetic, so there frequently is no recall of the procedure.

Which type will be used during your surgery?
That will be based on a joint decision between you, your surgeon, and your anesthesiologist.

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RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS

The risks and possible complications of anesthesia depend on your overall health. If you are healthy, the risks are extremely low. The risks may be higher for patients with heart, lung, or other major organ system problems. Your anesthesiologist will discuss the risks and possible complications of anesthesia with you.

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YOUR ANESTHESIA CARE TEAM

Your anesthetist and/or anesthesiologist are key members of your surgical team. They give you anesthetics and stay with you for the entire procedure, continuously monitoring every important function of your body and individually modifying your anesthetic to ensure your maximum safety and comfort.

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GETTING READY FOR SURGERY

Prior to your scheduled operation, an anesthesiologist from Physician Anesthesia Service, P.C. (PAS) will visit with you to discuss your medical, surgical, anesthetic, and medication history. They may even order some lab tests, if indicated. Frequently a face-to-face interview is not necessary; so you may be interviewed by phone. If you have any questions or concerns in regard to anesthesia, you may make an appointment at the time of your telephone interview. It is extremely important that you honestly and completely answer all the questions. The answers you give help your anesthesia care team choose the safest anesthetics for you.

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PRE-INTERVIEW ANESTHESIA QUESTIONS

The pre-anesthesia questions you are asked will help prepare you for the anesthesia process and determine the best anesthetic technique for you. You will be specifically asked about your medical history, current medications, prior operations, and allergies. Additional questions may include:

Have you recently had a cold or the flu?
Are you allergic to latex (rubber) products?
Have you ever experienced chest pain?
Do you have a heart condition?
Do you have, or are you being treated for, high blood pressure?
Do you ever have shortness of breath?
Do you have asthma, bronchitis, or emphysema?
Do you smoke? If yes, how much? When did you quit?
Do you consume alcohol? Drinks per week___.
Do you take or have you ever taken recreational drugs?
Have you taken cortisone (steroids) in the last six months?
Do you have diabetes?
Have you had hepatitis, liver disease, or jaundice?
Do you have a thyroid condition?
Do you have or have you had kidney disease?
Do you have ulcers or other stomach disorders?
Do you have a hiatal hernia or reflux?
Do you have back or neck pain?
Do you have numbness, weakness, or paralysis of any extremities?
Do you have any muscle or nerve disease?
Do you (or anyone in your family) have sickle cell disease or trait?
Have you or any blood relatives had problems with anesthesia?
Do you have bleeding problems?
Do you have loose, chipped, or false teeth, or bridgework?
Do you wear contact lenses or a hearing aid?
Have you ever received a blood transfusion?
Are you pregnant? Due date?

You will be asked not to eat or drink anything for a specific period of time before surgery. There is a very good reason for this. If your stomach is not empty, there is a chance that the contents could be vomited up and aspirated into your lungs while you are under the anesthetic. The need to follow these instructions exactly is very important. You will also be told whether or not you should take any of your regular medications before surgery. Prior to your scheduled time of surgery, you will be taken to the surgical holding area. An intravenous line (IV) will be used throughou t the surgery to supply you with medications and replacement fluids. Once you are in the operating room, monitoring equipment for your blood pressure, pulse, oxygenation, and other vital signs will also be attached. During surgery, your anesthetist and/or anesthesiologist will care for you throughout the operation, monitoring your progress, controlling your anesthetic, and attending to your comfort and safety. Once your surgery is complete, you will be accompanied to the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), where your awakening from anesthesia will be carefully monitored. If you need pain medication, it will be provided. Post-operative pain relief may include injections, IV medications, oral medications, or even self-administered pain medication.

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BILLING

Depending on the kind of medical insurance you have, you may receive a bill for your Anesthesiologist's services. The amount reflects all the duties performed during your surgery. The type of surgery you have, the total time of your anesthetic, your risk factors, and whether the surgery was an emergency, all affect the total cost. Be sure to call the telephone number on the bill if you have any questions about the fee or the amount covered by your health insurance company.

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FINALLY

We hope this has answered some of your questions. It is not intended to replace an informed discussion with your anesthesiologist or surgeon. It is important that you review any questions with them to put your mind at ease. The Anesthesiologists of PHYSICIAN ANESTHESIA SERVICE, P.C. want your surgery to be successful and comfortable. We will do everything we can to assure this outcome.

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