1. Will the anesthesiologist stay with me the entire surgery?

 

Wolverine Anesthesia Consultants utilizes an Anesthesia Care Team approach in providing modern anesthesia services. The Anesthesia Care Team consists of Anesthesiologists directing Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists in the provision of safe and effective anesthesia services. The Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist will be with you during the entire surgery and the anesthesiologist will participate in all aspects of your anesthetic. The anesthesiologists constantly monitor the course of your anesthetic and are always available to meet your needs during the surgery.

 

2. Why do I need to be fasting before surgery, and does coffee count?

 

When anesthesia techniques are employed, protective airway reflexes may be obtunded and thereby place the patient “at risk” for vomiting and possibly “inhaling” the stomach contents into the lungs, causing significant damage to their lungs.

 

By avoiding the intake of food and liquids before surgery, the stomach is allowed to empty naturally. Adult patients should avoid oral intake for 8 to 12 hours before surgery to assure an empty stomach. You will also receive preoperative medications to decrease the risk of vomiting during anesthesia.

 

Yes, coffee should be avoided before surgery. If your surgery is scheduled later in the day, you may be allowed to ingest coffee, tea, or juice on the morning of the surgery. You should always confirm with your surgeon and/or your anesthesia provider to confirm morning liquids. You may need to confirm with your surgeon and anesthesia provider as to the taking of your chronic oral medications before surgery.

 

3. Why do I need to be at the hospital two hours before my surgery?

 

The optimal pre-operative preparation of our patients makes their surgery and anesthesia both safer for our patients and more cost-effective for the health care system. Your preparation process is aimed at reducing the risks inherent with surgery and anesthesia and to make the process more pleasant for you and your family.

 

The two hour time frame allows you to have a thorough physical examination, laboratory examinations, and pre-anesthesia history to allow your anesthesiologist to develop the safest anesthesia care directed individually to each patient and the patient’s surgical procedure. This process culminates in giving you a reasonable explanation of the options available for anesthetic management and allowing you and your family ample opportunity to ask questions and make informal decisions regarding your anesthetic process.

 

Upon obtaining your informed consent, the anesthesia care plan will proceed with administering medications to decrease your anxiety before surgery and prepare you for the discussed anesthetic.

 

4. What is the difference between an anesthesiologist and an anesthetist?

 

An Anesthesiologist is a physician who has successfully completed medical school and a residency in Anesthesiology. The anesthesiologist provides and directs total preoperative management of anesthesia services.

 

An Anesthetist is a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. The Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) is an advanced practice nurse who currently has a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing and a Masters level education in Anesthesiology. They must pass a National Board Certification in Anesthesia and then are licensed to provide anesthesia services with anesthesiologists and surgeons.

 

5. What is the difference between a “spinal anesthetic” and an “epidural”?

 

The spinal anesthetic and epidural anesthetic are two methods which allow the administration of local anesthesia (Novacaine) to “numb” or “deaden” the lower half of your body for certain surgical procedures. These procedures are a very safe and effective means to provide anesthesia. Your anesthesiologist may determine that one of these procedures is much safer than providing general anesthesia for your surgery.

 

A spinal anesthetic is accomplished by placing a small needle in between your lower backbones and identifying the spinal fluid chamber and injecting a small dose of local anesthetic into the chamber and the needle is then removed. You will become “numb” in a matter of minutes.

 

An epidural anesthetic is accomplished in a similar fashion, but the needle does not go into the spinal fluid chamber, but stops outside of that area in the “epidural space." A dose of local anesthetic may be administered or a small catheter inserted into the space and the needle removed. The local anesthetic is then administered through the catheter, which is left in the epidural space.  The local anesthetic is then absorbed into the spinal fluid chamber and takes longer to “numb” your lower body. The epidural technique is used most frequently for labor pain, cesarean sections, and for post-surgical pain treatment.

 

6. I had a terrible headache after a “Spinal Tap” a few years ago; will I have the same problem with Spinal Anesthesia?

 

A “spinal tap” is usually a diagnostic procedure, which entails the usage of a larger needle and the removal of spinal fluid for laboratory studies. The usage of spinal anesthesia entails the usage of a smaller, special needle, which all but eliminates the occurrence of a headache after spinal anesthesia. If a headache related to the spinal anesthetic would occur, it can be easily diagnosed and treated.

 

7. If I am awake afterwards, why can I not drive myself home?

 

Whether you receive a general anesthetic or sedation for local anesthesia, you will be given medications to allow you to tolerate surgery or unpleasant procedures by relieving anxiety, discomfort, and pain. While current medications allow you to wake up quicker, the total elimination of these medications takes upwards of 24 hours. Thus, your ability to concentrate, make decisions, have normal reflexes, and safely drive will be hindered for about 24 - 48 hours.

 

8. Why do I need someone to stay with me the evening of the surgery?

 

The type of anesthetic and surgery will be different for each patient. The recovery from today’s anesthetics are quicker, but may be variable in each patient. You may experience complications arising from your surgery. You may experience nausea after surgery or have pain or other occurrences which may entail assistance or administration of medications. Thus, your ability to concentrate and have responsible decision-making will be impaired.

 

9. How will you know I am not awake during my surgery, like I have been hearing on television?

 

The recall of intraoperative events is a potentially devastating event for both patients and anesthesia providers. Awareness may occur in about 1 in 1000 general anesthetics, but most of the events are never recalled. Anesthesia providers and surgical personnel will provide a safe and effective environment to assure you that you will be asleep during your surgery. If you have concerns, please discuss them with your anesthesia provider prior to your anesthetic.