Be sure to discuss these risks with your doctor before the procedure.
What to Expect
Prior to Procedure
Unless you are having emergency surgery, you will meet with an anesthesiologist before surgery and will be asked about:
Your health history and your family's health history—Tell your doctor if you have had anesthesia before and your reaction to it. Tell your doctor about your family's history with anesthesia.
Medicines that you take, including
herbs and supplements—These can have an effect on how the anesthesia works.
Before the procedure:
Your height and weight will be taken.
You will need to fast the night before surgery.
You may need to take certain medicines in the morning before surgery.
Description of the Procedure
General anesthesia is broken down into three phases:
Induction phase—Medicines will be given that result in the loss of consciousness. These will be given through an IV or through gas into the lungs. A breathing tube will be placed down your windpipe. This will be attached to a machine that helps you continue to breathe normally.
Middle or maintenance phase—Medicines will be given based on your responses. These may keep you asleep or regulate your body functions.
Recovery or emergence
phase—This will slowly reverse the anesthesia. The medicines given will allow you to wake up. When you are starting to awaken and are breathing on your own, the breathing tube will be removed.
As you wake up, you will be closely monitored. You will be given pain medicine if you need it.
How Long Will It Take?
This procedure takes as long as needed, depending on the surgery.
How Much Will It Hurt?
General anesthesia numbs all pain. Since you are asleep, your brain will not sense any pain signals.
Average Hospital Stay
How long you spend in the hospital depends on:
Type of surgery
Your reaction to the surgery and anesthesia
Once you have recovered from anesthesia, you will be sent to a hospital room or home. For the first 24 hours or longer, avoid doing activities that require your attention, such as driving. Be sure to follow your doctor's
Call Your Doctor
After you leave the hospital, call your doctor if any of the following occurs:
Signs of infection, including fever and chills
Nausea and/or vomiting that you cannot control with the medicines you were given after surgery, or which last for more than two days after leaving the hospital
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care
provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a
substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER
IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the
advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to
starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a