Anesthetic drugs are unique in that they are seldom used outside of the operating room setting. For induction of general anesthesia, the intravenous agent propofol is commonly used. It is shorter acting and associated with less nausea and vomiting compared…
This will vary with the procedure. Patients who have had minor outpatient procedures can eat and drink as tolerated after discharge. You should start with fluids and progress to a full meal. In cases such as major abdominal surgery, you…
This is question bound to stir up controversy. Many procedures such as heart surgery can only be done under general anesthesia. Peripheral procedures such as knee arthroscopy could be done under general or spinal There have been many studies in…
As an inpatient you will be seen postoperatively by either our postoperative follow up nurse or your anesthesiologist. Any complications are reported to the anesthesiologist for further action. Outpatients are contacted by the hospital postoperatively. Again any complications are reported…
Planning for post-operative pain control begins during your surgery. There are multiple techniques to minimize pain. Local anesthetics can be injected into the surgical site at the end of the procedure. Intravenous agents such as narcotics and anti-inflammatory drugs are…
A member of the anesthesia care time will be with you at all times in the operating room. This is a standard of care in our corporation. Postoperatively, in the recovery room a registered nursed will provide your care. Your…
As indicated in the first question, the most severe complication, death is very rare. The rate of other complications will vary with the health status of the patient and the magnitude of the procedure. The common side effects of general…
The monitors we use under general anesthesia depend on both the type of operation and the patient’s medical condition. The minimal monitors under general anesthesia include: blood pressure, EKG, heart rate ,temperature, stethoscope and two monitors of breathing. The pulse…
Malignant hyperthermia (MH for short) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by extreme body temperature elevation under general anesthesia. The incidence in adults is about 1 in 50,000 general anesthetics. Certain drugs such as the inhalation anesthetics and the drug…
Anesthesia depresses the normal gag reflex that prevents solids and liquid matter from entering our lungs. The process of reflux of material from the stomach into the trachea and lungs is called aspiration. Fortunately, the incidence is quite low. According…