Instructions Regarding Your Anesthesia
You will always be given local anesthesia for your surgery, but you may choose any of those listed below as supplements. Each choice requires different preparation on your part and for your safety, it is important that you read and follow the instructions carefully. If you are unclear about anything, please ask your doctor.
For all surgery, please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and low-heeled shoes. Tops/shirts should have sleeves that are easily rolled up above the elbow. Those who wear contact lenses should wear glasses instead. Females should remove nail polish before surgery, and apply as little makeup as possible.
Contact lenses, jewelry, and dentures must be removed at the time of surgery.
Local Anesthesia is the same that you might receive for dental fillings; a numb feeling in the area being operated on and a feeling of pressure during surgery. You will be awake and recall the surgery, but there will be no discomfort. Have a light meal a few hours prior to surgery and plan to rest for a few hours after surgery.
Nitrous Oxide is also known as “laughing gas.” Nitrous oxide is a colorless gas with a sweet odor that works very rapidly and is reversed quickly. You will be relaxed and somewhat less aware of your surroundings, but recall most of the surgical events. Although the child does not go to sleep, it remains a very effective technique with small children and works well for 9 out of 10 children.
- You may have a light meal four hours prior to surgery.
- You may have clear liquids up to one hour prior to surgery.
- Although there are no driving restrictions, It is best to have someone drive you home and plan to rest for the remainder of the day.
On the day of surgery, it is permissible for a parent to be in the room during the procedure and, in most cases, it is a good thing. I discourage two parents in the room because it is too distracting for the child and the gas will not work as well as it normally does.
During the procedure itself, it is good to be supportive of your child, however, keep the talking to an absolute minimum, with no conversation being the best. You will notice that the surgical team talks very little and speaks in soft voices of reassurance that require no response. During the procedure, the child may also cry out and appear that they are in pain. This is an effect of the gas, as the child is numb and is not actually experiencing any pain. Wait about five minutes before asking the child how he/she feels. They probably will not remember much or nothing at all.
Intravenous Sedation is also known as “twilight sleep.” The medications are given through a vein in your arm, which will cause total relaxation, although you will not actually be unconscious, there will be very little recall of the events surrounding surgery.
- You may not have anything to eat or drink (including water) for eight hours prior to the surgery. However, it is important that you take any regular medications or any premedication prescription that we have provided, using only a small sip of water.
- Morning appointment – Do not eat or drink after midnight and skip breakfast.
- Afternoon appointment – You may have a light breakfast before 7:00 A.M. with clear liquids and skip lunch.
- A responsible adult must accompany the patient to the office, remain in the office during the procedure, and drive the patient home.
- Do not smoke for at least one day prior to the surgery and 4-6 days after the surgery.
- Do not drink any alcoholic beverages.
- Do not drive a vehicle or operate any machinery for 24 hours following anesthesia.
- Plan to rest for the remainder of the day.
Immediately After the Surgery
Patients who received general anesthesia should return home from the office immediately upon discharge, and lie down with the head elevated until all the effects of the anesthesia have disappeared. Anesthetic effects vary by individual, and you may feel drowsy for a short period of time or for several hours. You should not operate any mechanical equipment or drive a motor vehicle for at least 24 hours or longer if you feel any residual effect from the anesthetic.
Our goal is to provide you with a safe, pleasant, and effective anesthetic. In order to do this, it is imperative that we have your full cooperation. Please feel free to ask or call about any questions concerning your surgery or anesthetic.