Instructions Before Intravenous Anesthesia
If you are scheduled to have your surgical procedure performed under sedation or general anesthesia, there are some very important precautions to take for us to treat you safely. The following instructions and information will help you prepare yourself and ensure that your surgical procedure goes smoothly.
- PLEASE HAVE NOTHING TO EAT OR DRINK EIGHT (8) HOURS PRIOR TO SURGERY.
This includes any chewing gum, food, drinks, cola, coffee, tea or other beverages. Even a sip would result in cancellation of the procedure. The only exception is a small amount of clear water to be taken with your medications.
- PLEASE BE ACCOMPANIED WITH A DRIVER WHO IS A RESPONSBILE ADULT.
Your driver will need to check-in with you at the front desk and stay in our office during the surgery. You will not be able to drive to and from the office. Furthermore, you should not drive or operate machinery for 24 hours following general anesthesia. The medication has a very strong amnestic effect and frequently, you do not remember going home; thus, for your safety, taking a cab or bus is NOT permitted.
- Please do not wear lipstick, excessive make-up, or nail polish on the day of surgery. They interfere with the monitoring equipment during anesthesia.
- Please wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing, and a short sleeve shirt; as monitoring equipment will need to be applied. Also, be sure to wear comfortable, low-heeled shoes.
- If you wear contacts, dental appliances, or facial jewelry of any kind, please remove them prior to surgery. They can potentially damage your teeth and/or get lost during surgery.
- If you are ill with a cold, active cough, sore throat, stomach or bowel upset within 48 hours of your surgery date, please notify our office.
Instructions for Conscious Oral Sedation
If you prefer to be relaxed, but not fully asleep, our surgeon may give you a prescription for an anti-anxiety premedication. Having a light meal prior to your surgery is permitted. Additionally, you should take all your routine medications as scheduled.
Please take the first dose, two hours prior to your surgery with a small amount of clear water only. The medication should make you relaxed, tired, and drowsy. After one hour, if the first dose has not taken effect, take the second dose. If the first dose has a profound effect, DO NOT TAKE THE SECOND DOSE.
PLEASE BE ACCOMPANIED WITH A DRIVER WHO IS A RESPONSBILE ADULT.
Your driver will need to check-in with you at the front desk and stay in our office during the surgery. You will not be able to drive to and from the office. Furthermore, you should not drive or operate machinery for 24 hours following general anesthesia. The medication has a very strong amnestic effect and frequently, you do not remember going home; thus, for your safety, taking a cab or bus is NOT permitted.
Instructions for Routine Medications
If you take other routine medications, please follow these directions:
High Blood Pressure
All medications for your blood pressure should be taken at their regular scheduled time and dose with a small sip of clear water only.
Asthma
All regular scheduled asthma medications should be taken with a small sip of clear water only (if applicable). If you use a rescue inhaler, BRING IT TO YOUR SURGERY APPOINTMENT. You will need to take two puffs prior to the procedure.
Diabetes
NO insulin should be administered the morning of your surgery. Low blood sugar while under general anesthesia is very dangerous. Only half of the normal dose of insulin should be administered the night before surgery. Please check your blood sugar the morning of surgery and BRING YOUR GLUCOMETER to your surgery appointment.
Antibiotic Premedication
If you have been given premedication for your heart or artificial joints, please take the prescribed medication one hour prior to your surgery with a small sip of clear water only.