Preparing for Your Procedure:
Your daily medications – You will be given medication instructions by your physician or a pre-operative nurse prior to your procedure. For questions related to medications, please call our pre-admission testing center at 609.853.7366.
Eating and drinking – Your physician or a pre-operative nurse will give you specific eating and drinking instructions prior to your procedure. Please follow them carefully or your procedure may be delayed or cancelled.
Bathing and dressing – Take a shower and wash your hair and body thoroughly the morning of your procedure. Do not apply lotions, creams, powders or perfume after bathing. Do not shave or clip the part of your body where the procedure will take place. Dress in loose, comfortable clothing.
What to bring – Bring your photo ID, insurance card, and a list of your medications. Do not wear watches, jewelry or bring other valuables.
Driving plan – You will not be allowed to drive after your procedure, and you must be accompanied home by a responsible adult.
Post-Anesthesia Discharge Instructions – Following your procedure, you will receive verbal and written discharge instructions regarding medications, activity, eating, etc. For any question, please contact your physician’s office. NOTE: Anesthesia and pain medications interfere with your memory and ability to think clearly. They may also temporarily alter your judgment. Please follow these instructions carefully:
1. Have a responsible adult available to care for you for 24 hours after your anesthesia.
2. Do not drive, operate machinery, make significant financial decisions or sign any legal documents for at least 24 hours after your anesthesia.
3. Do not drink any alcoholic beverages for 24 hours after your anesthesia or while taking pain medications.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who will administer the anesthesia?
Your anesthesia will be administered by a medical doctor (called an anesthesiologist) or by a team consisting of an anesthesiologist and an advanced practice nurse who has specialized in anesthesia care (called a CRNA). All Princeton anesthesiologists and CRNAs are board certified and are experienced professionals.
What do the anesthesiologist and CRNA do?
Your anesthesia provider gives you medicine to prevent anxiety, pain and nausea during and after your procedure. They also manage your breathing, heart function, blood pressure and temperature and specialize in quickly identifying and treating any medical problems that may arise during and immediately after your procedure.
What kind of anesthesia will I receive?
There are many types of anesthesia, ranging from light sedation to general anesthesia, under which a patient is unconscious. Some anesthesia methods also numb specific parts of the body. The type of anesthesia you will receive depends on the procedure, your medical condition, the preference of your physician and your personal input. Your anesthesiologist will discuss with you which type of anesthesia is best for your procedure, and its risks and benefits.
Will I see my anesthesiologist after the procedure?
Your anesthesiologist will continue to care for you in the recovery room. Once the effects of anesthesia have worn off, you will be able to go home or to your hospital room. You and your caregiver will receive verbal and written discharge instructions.
What is anesthesia?
Anesthesia is medication prescribed specifically to make you comfortable during and after your procedure.
Are there side effects from anesthesia?
Yes, some people experience side effects from anesthesia. Here are some common side effects and how to manage them:
1. Tired, low energy – It is common to feel tired after receiving anesthesia. Follow your physician’s instructions for activity.
2. Nausea and vomiting – Anti-nausea medication will be given to you during your procedure and in the recovery room, if needed. Carefully follow your discharge diet instructions. Begin slowly with clear liquids and progress to a normal diet as tolerated.
3. Sore or dry throat – Gargle with warm salt water or use over-the-counter sore throat spray, if needed.
4. Shivering or feeling cold – Special warming blankets will be used in the recovery room to help comfort you.
5. Soreness and bruising at an injection site – A heating pad may be helpful. Be sure to keep the site clean and dry.
6. Difficulty urinating – Contact your surgeon if you are unable to urinate within eight hours after your procedure.
Will I receive a bill from my anesthesiologist?
Your anesthesiologist is a specialist medical doctor and you will likely receive a bill for services just as you will from your physician performing the procedure. Princeton Anesthesia Services is in network with the same health insurance providers as Penn Medicine at Princeton Medical Center and its outpatient surgery centers. For billing questions, please call 866.678.4324.
Questions?
For any other questions or concerns regarding your anesthesia care, or to learn more about our practice, please contact our practice directly,at 609-430-7174