An Elevated Patient Experience
Preoperative
Once your procedure is scheduled, you may be given an appointment for a preoperative clinic visit or phone call. The staff will thoroughly review your medical, surgical, and anesthesia history. They will document your use of all medications and supplements. They will talk you through the arrival process on the day of your procedure and provide an opportunity to ask questions.
It is important that you understand and follow all instructions from the clinic staff, including which medications to take or hold and when to stop eating and drinking. Failure to do so may result in your surgery being delayed or rescheduled.
On the day of surgery you will meet your anesthesiologist before the procedure who will review your history, medications, allergies, vital signs, labs, and any other pertinent information. You will then discuss all anesthesia options and work together to make a safe plan you feel comfortable with.
Intraoperative
Once you are in the procedure room, your anesthesiologist will begin monitoring your vital signs including heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels. You may be asked to breathe from an oxygen mask. Medication will be delivered per your anesthetic plan.
You will have an anesthesiologist with you throughout your procedure, monitoring you carefully to ensure your safety and comfort. After your procedure, your anesthesiologist will stay with you until you are safely transferred to the care of your private recovery room nurse.
Postoperative
You will be monitored by a specialized postanesthesia care nurse until you are awake and stable enough to go home or to your hospital room. You may be given something to drink or eat if your surgical procedure allows.
We recommend starting with light, low-fat, low-protein meals to allow your body time to adjust from the effects of anesthesia. All instructions will be printed out for you upon discharge including contact information if you have any questions.
Pain Catheters
You may receive a continuous nerve block or epidural catheter as part of your anesthetic management. These catheters deliver pain medications around nerves to control pain. Delivering medication in this way can lower your use of oral or intravenous medications, reducing their side effects. Nerve block catheters are often placed for outpatient procedures.
Your treatment team will ensure that you feel comfortable managing any equipment you may be sent home with. Written instructions will also be provided. If you have any questions or concerns after discharge you may call (541) 734-0430 to be put in contact with an anesthesiologist.