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FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions)

When should I stop drinking and eating prior to my surgery?

As a general rule, a person should not eat or drink anything for several hours before any type of anesthesia. No solid foods, including milk or coffee with cream or sugar within 6 hours of surgery is the usual protocol. Clear liquids (juice, water, etc.) may be consumed in moderate quantities until 2 hours before surgery. For infants (under the age of one), these rules are modified to allow solids up until 4 hours and clear liquids up until 2 hours prior to surgery. In certain circumstances, medications may be taken with a sip of water up until the time of surgery. Discuss with your surgeon or anesthesiologist which medications you should continue to take.

Why is it necessary to stop drinking and eating prior to my elective surgery?

This requirement is for your safety and well being. During anesthesia and surgery the contents of your stomach may reflux or regurgitate (pass) into your esophagus and mouth. This material can then pass into your trachea (breathing tube) and cause aspiration pneumonia. Aspiration pneumonia is a very serious complication which can be life threatening. By not eating solid food for at least 6 hours or drinking clear liquids for 2 hours prior to surgery, you decrease the risk of aspiration pneumonia and increase the safety of your anesthetic. In infants (children less that one year of age) the rules are modified to allow solids up to 4 hours and clear liquids up to 2 hours prior to surgery.

What medications should I take prior to my surgery?

What medications should I not take prior to surgery? Some medications should be taken and other should not. It is important to discuss this with your personal physician or anesthesiologist. Do not interrupt medications unless it is recommended by your anesthesiologist. This includes medications for high blood pressure, diabetes, glaucoma, seizures, etc. Those patients on insulin should make a special effort to consult with their personal physician or anesthesiologist prior to adjusting their dosage.

Nausea and vomiting is a problem with which most patients are concerned. It occurs in about 30% of all surgical patients. When it occurs, it may be related to either the anesthesia and or the surgical procedure. Many factors contribute to post operative nausea and vomiting. When possible, your anesthesiologists will minimize these factors. It is much less of a problem today because of improved anesthetic agents and techniques. If you have a history of this problem please let your anesthesiologist know in advance. Medications to help prevent nausea and vomiting will be given when indicated, either before surgery and/or in the recovery room. Women who present for anesthesia and surgery during their menstrual period may be at increased risk for post operative nausea and vomiting. If the procedure is elective it may be prudent to consider this when scheduling the date of your surgery. If you are unable to avoid having surgery during this time, anti-nausea medications will be provided for you.

Some individuals may experience a sore throat after a general anesthetic. When it does occur it is usually mild and lasts no more than 24 - 36 hours. The cause of this side effect is not entirely clear. It may be due to mechanical irritation in patients whom an endotracheal tube is used to control their breathing. The use of non-humidified gases resulting in drying and irritation of the mucous membranes may also contribute to the occurrence of postoperative sore throat.

YES! Your anesthesiologist will be present at your side for your entire surgery. His/her job is to administer your anesthetic and monitor your vital signs to control the effects and depth of anesthesia. In addition, they are responsible for managing any medical problems that might arise during your surgery as well as any chronic medical conditions you may have (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, etc). In short, your anesthesiologist is personally responsible for your comfort and well being from the time he/she greets you in the preoperative holding area until he/she delivers you to the post anesthesia care unit (PACU). Your anesthesiologist will than turn your care over to a post anesthesia care unit nurse when he/she is satisfied that your condition no longer requires their presence. The PACU nurse and your anesthesiologist communicate when necessary about your care.