WHY CAN'T I EAT OR DRINK BEFORE SURGERY?

Patients are not allowed to eat or drink prior to surgery for safety reasons. An empty stomach reduces the chances of regurgitation of any undigested foods or liquids. Because anesthetic agents can suspend your body's normal reflexes, a full stomach can increase the risk of breathing stomach contents into your lungs during surgery. It is very important to comply with the fasting guidelines given by your doctor. They are designed for your safety. Failure to follow the fasting guidelines may result in your surgery being postponed or cancelled.

LOCAL VERSUS GENERAL ANESTHESIA?

There are actually three types of anesthesia available: General Anesthesia, Regional Anesthesia, and Local Anesthesia. In some situations, there may be a choice of which type of anesthesia can be provided. If so, your anesthesiologist will discuss your options during your Pre-Op visit.

General Anesthesia affects the entire body. The anesthetic agent can be given by gases or vapors inhaled through a mask, or other agents given through an I.V. (intravenous) line. Once the anesthetic agent is started, you will go to sleep. Your body functions such as your heart rate, blood oxygen level, blood pressure and body temperature will be monitored constantly throughout your procedure. The anesthesiologist uses sophisticated equipment to monitor the level of anesthesia and will constantly adjust the anesthesia as necessary throughout the surgery. A breathing tube may be inserted during the surgery to maintain proper breathing. At the end of the surgery, your anesthesiologist will reverse the process. You will regain consciousness in the recovery room, where your anesthesiologist will remain in charge of your safety and comfort, with the assistance of specially trained recovery room nurses.

Regional Anesthesia affects only a particular region of the body. The anesthetic agent is injected near a cluster of nerves to numb the portion of the body where surgery is to occur. You may be given a sedative to help calm you, which may allow you to remain awake or sleep lightly. During a regional anesthesia, you will not feel or see the surgery taking place. Although there are several types of regional anesthesia, the most common types are spinal and epidural anesthesia. These require precise injections in an exact area of the back. Your anesthesiologist will monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, and blood oxygen level throughout the entire surgery.

Local anesthesia affects only the area of the body involved in the procedure. It is used for minor surgery, which is usually short and non-invasive. Sometimes the surgeon will perform local anesthesia to numb the site, and will ask the anesthesiologist to be present for "Monitored Anesthesia Care" (MAC). If MAC is requested by the surgeon, your anesthesiologist will monitor your heart rate, blood oxygen level, and blood pressure during surgery. The anesthesiologist may provide additional sedation if necessary, and will keep you more comfortable and relaxed. MAC is utilized only when the surgeon requests it, and ensures an additional safety measure throughout the surgery.

HERBS: SHOULD I TELL MY ANESTHESIOLOGIST?

Before your surgery, you should tell your anesthesiologist about any herbs, vitamins, and supplements in addition to any other medications you are taking. Some herbs can cause excessive bleeding, high blood pressure, rapid heart beat, or may prolong or intensify the effects of the anesthetics. The American Society of Anesthesiologists recommends that patients stop using herbal medicines 2-3 weeks before surgery. When this is not possible, you should bring a list of your medications along with the dosage amount and frequency. We recommend that you discuss this issue with your doctor.

WHY HAVEN'T I RECEIVED MY ANESTHESIA BILL?

Patients frequently contact our office to find out why they have not received their anesthesia bill yet. All of our patient's charges are reviewed by a physician who is a member of the Denali Anesthesia Board of Directors prior to being sent to the billing office. We continue auditing our charges once received in the billing office. Denali Anesthesia makes all reasonable attempts to comply with pertinent Federal and State laws. This thorough review of our bills tends to be time-consuming and can cause a delay in the patient billing.
If we are billing your insurance carrier as a courtesy, you may experience a further delay in receiving your bill from Denali Anesthesia. Our policy is to bill your insurance company prior to billing you. Once we receive a response from your insurance company, we will send you a statement which shows your total charge along with the amount paid by your insurance company, and any amount still owed by you. If your insurance company does not respond within a reasonable period of time, we may send you the bill. Since we bill insurance as a courtesy to you, we will do our best to collect the correct amount from your insurance company prior to billing you.

WILL I MEET MY ANESTHESIOLOGIST?

You will meet your anesthesiologist or anesthetist prior to receiving anesthesia. Your anesthetic provider will determine the best possible anesthesia plan for you. (S)he has many choices regarding which medications and type of anesthesia is most suitable for your individual needs. The type of surgery, your physical status and medical conditions are major factors in this decision-making process. Other important factors include allergies, past anesthesia experiences, current prescriptions and over-the-counter medications, as well as the use of tobacco, alcohol or other drugs. The information you give your anesthesiologist is confidential, so it is important that you are honest and open when you answer their questions. Your safety is our primary concern. The anesthesiologist/ anesthetist will try to make you as comfortable as possible.
This Pre-Op visit usually occurs on the same day as surgery. This is a good opportunity for you to ask any questions you have about the anesthesia process or your recovery.