Treating the Mind, Body & Spirit…One Patient at a Time.
Our Patients
Our patients confidently and positively undergo elective surgery with minimal discomfort, minimal nausea/vomiting, and minimal sedation afterwards.
If you have any questions, please call or email us. We know surgery is sometimes an uncontrollable and stressful experience. We are here to help you get through your surgical experience as pleasantly and as safe as possible for your mind, body & spirit. Our goal is to help you prepare to heal and recover long before your scheduled surgery.
Please wear warm comfortable clothing and remove any makeup or jewelry on your day of surgery. Do not eat any food eight (8) hours and drink any clear liquids two (2) hours before your scheduled surgery time.
Please have an adult guardian (18 years and older) take you home and care for you after your surgery. Rarely, some patients may react to the anesthetic medications and may have nausea and vomiting after surgery. This will improve once your body clears the anesthesia out of your system within a few hours. Please resume your current medications and take any new medications (pain medicine or antibiotics) prescribed per your physician’s directions.
When in doubt, always call your surgeon or ambulatory surgery center. As always, you can reach out to us anytime.
Frequent Q&A for Patients:
What is anesthesia and the types of anesthesia?
Anesthesia is a medical technique that helps to relieve pain and sensation during surgery or other medical procedures. It allows patients to sleep through the procedure and ensures they don't feel any pain or discomfort.
There are several types of anesthesia, including:
General anesthesia: This type of anesthesia causes the patient to become unconscious and unresponsive to pain. It is typically used for major surgeries or procedures.
Regional anesthesia: This type of anesthesia numbs a specific part of the body, such as an arm or leg, while the patient remains awake or lightly sedated. This is often used for procedures such as childbirth or orthopedic surgeries.
Local anesthesia: This type of anesthesia numbs a specific area of the body, such as a tooth or a skin incision. The patient remains awake during the procedure.
Sedation anesthesia: This type of anesthesia is used to help the patient relax and reduce anxiety during the procedure. The patient remains conscious but may not remember the procedure.
Monitored Anesthesia Care (MAC): This type of anesthesia involves the administration of a mild sedative and pain medication. The patient is conscious but relaxed and may not remember the procedure.
The type of anesthesia used will depend on the type of procedure, the patient's medical history, and their individual needs. Your doctor will work with you to determine the best type of anesthesia for your situation.
How is anesthesia administered?
Anesthesia can be administered in several ways, including intravenously (IV), inhaled through a mask or breathing tube, or as a nerve block. The type of anesthesia used will depend on the type of procedure and individual patient needs.
Is anesthesia safe?
Anesthesia is generally considered safe when administered by a trained and licensed anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist. However, as with any medical procedure, there is a small risk of complications (1:100,000 or 0.001%). Some of the most common risks associated with anesthesia include:
Allergic reactions: Some people may have an allergic reaction to the medications used for anesthesia.
Nausea and vomiting: Some patients may experience nausea and vomiting after the procedure due to the residual effects of the anesthesia.
Breathing difficulties: There is a small risk of respiratory depression, which can cause breathing difficulties.
Cardiac complications: In rare cases, anesthesia can cause cardiac arrest or other heart-related problems.
Cognitive and memory problems: Anesthesia can cause confusion, memory loss, or other cognitive difficulties, especially in older adults or those with pre-existing cognitive conditions.
Nerve damage: In rare cases, nerve damage can occur as a result of a nerve block.
Pain at the site of injection: Some patients may experience pain or discomfort at the site where the anesthesia was administered.
It's important to discuss any concerns or questions you may have about the risks of anesthesia with your doctor before the procedure. Your doctor will be able to provide more information and answer any questions you may have.
Will I be asleep during the procedure?
Under general anesthesia, you will be unconscious and unresponsive to pain. General anesthesia is used for major surgeries or procedures where the patient needs to be completely asleep and unaware of the surroundings. The medications used for general anesthesia will cause the patient to lose consciousness and become unresponsive to pain and other stimuli. This allows the patient to undergo the procedure without feeling any pain or discomfort. After the procedure, the effects of the anesthesia will wear off, and the patient will slowly regain consciousness. The length of time it takes to recover from general anesthesia will depend on several factors, including the type and dose of medications used and the patient's individual health status.
Under sedation, you will not be fully asleep. Sedation anesthesia is used to help the patient relax and reduce anxiety during the procedure. The patient remains conscious but may not remember the procedure. The goal of sedation anesthesia is to help the patient feel calm and relaxed, not to make them unconscious. However, the level of sedation can vary, and in some cases, the patient may drift in and out of consciousness. Your doctor will work with you to determine the appropriate level of sedation for your needs and ensure that you are comfortable throughout the procedure.
How long does the effect of anesthesia last?
The effect of anesthesia varies depending on the type used and the length of the procedure. In most cases, the effects of anesthesia will wear off within a few hours of the procedure.
What should I do to prepare for anesthesia?
You should provide your doctor with a complete list of all medications you are taking, including herbal supplements. You may also be asked to fast for a certain period of time before the procedure to reduce the risk of complications.
Can I eat or drink before the procedure?
You will typically be asked to fast for a certain period of time before the procedure to reduce the risk of complications. Your doctor will provide specific instructions based on the type of procedure you are having.
Will I feel pain after the procedure?
Some discomfort or pain is normal after a medical procedure, even with the use of anesthesia. Your doctor may prescribe pain medication to help manage any discomfort.
How long does it take to recover from anesthesia?
The recovery time from anesthesia varies from person to person and depends on several factors, such as the type of procedure and overall health. Most people feel back to normal within a few hours to a few days after the procedure.
Who should I contact if I have questions or concerns about the anesthesia?
You should contact your anesthesiologist or surgeon if you have any questions or concerns about the anesthesia. They will be able to provide you with more information and answer any questions you may have.