Personalized Anesthesia for Your Surgery

Anesthesia plays a critical role in so many of today's medical procedures. As such, experienced and expert anesthesia care is crucial. Our physicians are board-certified anesthesiologists with advanced training in anesthesia. We deliver unsurpassed expertise in adult and pediatric anesthesia and sedation services at non-hospital locations, to ensure the safety of all patients.

The anesthesia you receive will be prescribed for you personally to provide for very rapid, pain-free awakening and without nausea or vomiting. Most patients are able to leave the center in less than one hour and often return to normal activity, except as limited by the surgical procedure. By providing superior care in physician offices and at outpatient surgery and diagnostic centers, we make it possible for you and your family to avoid the stress, time and expense of a hospital setting for procedures without compromising patient safety and well being.

Before you have an outpatient procedure requiring anesthesia, it is important to understand the risks involved. If an anesthesia related problem should occur it is critical that it be recognized and treated immediately by skilled, experienced physicians with expertise in anesthesia. The American Medical Association wants you to know more about these risks so that you can make informed choices before you have surgery. To learn more, visit the ASA Website.

Can I eat or drink before my anesthesia?

As a general rule, you should not eat anything after midnight before your surgery. You may drink clear liquids up to 2 hours before your anesthesia. If you smoke, please refrain.

Will I need someone to take me home?

Yes, you must make arrangements for a responsible adult to take you home after your anesthetic or sedation. You will not be allowed to leave alone or drive yourself home. It is usually suggested that you have someone stay with you during the first 24 hours.

Should I take my usual medicines?

Some medications should be taken and others should not. It is important to discuss this with your anesthesiologist. Do not interrupt medications unless your anesthesiologist or surgeon recommends it.

What should I wear?

If at all possible, wear loose-fitting clothes that are easy to put on and will fit over bulky bandages or surgical dressings. Leave your jewelry and valuables at home.

What is Anesthesia?

Anesthesia is a drug-induced state resulting in partial or total loss of sensation and/or consciousness (i.e. local/regional anesthetic or general anesthetic or a combination of both.)

What are the different types of anesthesia?

There are several types of anesthesia. The ones you are most likely to encounter are listed below:

• Local/Regional Anesthesia - Local anesthesia results in the loss of sensation to a small area of the body and is most often administered by your surgeon. Regional anesthetics, which can include spinal blocks, epidural blocks, and extremity blocks, result in the loss of sensation to a larger part of the body (i.e an arm or a leg) and are administered by an anesthesiologist.
  
  
• Monitored Anesthesia Care (MAC) - Most commonly known as "IV Sedation," MAC involves the administration of intravenous sedatives and pain medications that may be used to supplement local anesthesia provided by your surgeon. During surgery, a level of sedation is maintained that keeps you unaware of the surgical procedure. Once the surgical procedure is complete, the IV medications are discontinued and you will awaken within minutes.
  
  
• General Anesthesia - General anesthesia is a state of deep unconsciousness achieved through the use of IV medications and/or inhalational medications.
  
  

The type of anesthesia administered depends on many factors, including the type of procedure, the location of the surgery, surgeon preference, and patient preference. Choice of anesthetic can be either one, or a combination of the techniques described above.

Who will provide my anesthesia?

One of our experienced, board-certified Anesthesiologists will be administering your anesthesia.

How am I monitored while I'm anesthetized?

While under anesthesia, we use state of the art devices to closely monitor your heart rhythm, blood pressure, and the oxygen concentration in your blood.

What emergency procedures are in place should a serious complication occur?

All outpatient procedures can be performed safely in a properly equipped and staffed office facility. While adverse events are very rare, our experienced and highly skilled Physicians have the necessary emergency drugs, equipment, and training to care for you in the event that a complication should occur.

What happens when my procedure is completed?

After your procedure is completed, skilled nursing personnel will continue to monitor your vital signs and provide pain medication and comfort measures until you have met established discharge criteria. You will then be released to go home with a responsible adult.