May I request a specific anesthesiologist or CRNA (certified registered nurse anesthetist)?
Yes. If there is a specific member of the Carroll Hospital Center anesthesia team that you would like to request, please notify your surgeon or physician. All efforts will be made to accommodate you, but due to scheduling conflicts not every request can be honored.
May I request a specific type of anesthesia?
You will have the opportunity prior to your procedure to discuss any anesthesia options available to you. Your anesthesia team will work with you to select which anesthesia option is best for you and the type of procedure you are undergoing.
My doctor already did a medical history and physical exam so why is the anesthesiologist asking me the same questions?
There are several critical reasons for the anesthesiologist to ask the medical history questions again on the day of your procedure -- for both safety and to confirm your medical history is accurate in your medical record. It is imperative to your safety and well being that the anesthesiologist knows your complete medical history and any preexisting conditions prior to administering anesthesia.
Why does the anesthesiologist ask about smoking, drinking, medications and herbal supplements?
Cigarettes, alcohol, recreational drugs, herbal supplements, prescribed medications and over-the-counter medicines may all interact with anesthesia agents. Some of the above listed items may also affect your body functions, thus impacting the care you require.
What are the risks of anesthesia?
Every surgical procedure and anesthesia use has some risks involved. Risks may vary depending on the patient and the type of procedure. The most common adverse outcomes following anesthesia is nausea and vomiting. In cases where nausea is more likely to occur, the anesthesiologist usually treats this side effect preventively. More medications to relieve nausea may be administered postoperatively.
Other risks of anesthesia, uncommon and usually minor, are damage to teeth and cuts in the lips and mouth occurring during the placement of the breathing tube. Since any anesthesia may have an effect on the cardiac and respiratory system, the standard monitors recommended by the American Academy of Anesthesiology are used with every case.
Why can’t I eat or drink before surgery?
Elective surgeries require a patient to fast for a specified amount of time before surgery to minimize the risk of aspirating food or liquids from your stomach into your lungs. The result of aspiration can lead to pneumonia.
What is PACU?
PACU stands for the post anesthesia care unit, where during your recovery following surgery specially trained nurses care for you while you wake from anesthesia. An anesthesiologist supervises all patients in the PACU to monitor their condition. The minimum stay in PACU is 45 minutes, but length of stay may vary depending on the patient. Some patients are discharged home (following same-day surgery) and some patients are discharged to a patient care unit for more postoperative care.
Should I take my routine medications before surgery?
Discuss with your physician any prescription medications you take, and any other herbal supplements or over-the-counter medicines you may be taking. Your physician will determine what medicines are safely ingested before surgery. If you have any questions, please call your physician or Carroll Hospital Center’s Preadmission Testing Center (PAT) at 410-871-6100.
Any medications containing aspirin or any other blood-thinning agent CANNOT be taken prior to surgery.
What if I have pain following my procedure?
The anesthesiologist will administer some pain medications at the end of your surgical procedure to help alleviate any pain. Once in PACU (recovery), your physician or anesthesiologist can prescribe additional pain medications on an as needed basis. Once you are transferred to a patient care unit, your physician will work with you and our anesthesia team to provide appropriate pain management for your specific case.
Will I receive a separate bill from the anesthesia department?
Yes. Our anesthesia department is a contracted consulting service. You will receive a separate bill for their services.
Following anesthesia, may I drive myself home?
No. It is recommended that you do not drive, operate heavy machinery or do stressful work for approximately 24 hours following anesthesia. Please have a responsible adult with you to drive you home following the procedure.
Who can sign paperwork, such as consent forms?
Adults, 18 years or older, must sign all of their own consent forms if they are competent. If a patient is considered incompetent, medical power of attorney papers must be brought to the hospital. Consent may be obtained via the phone from the medical power of attorney if the proper paperwork is in the patient’s chart. If no medical power of attorney exists, two physicians may declare the patient incompetent. This gives the next of kin the authority to sign all consent forms.
For patients under the age of 18, a legal guardian will sign all consent forms.