Anesthesiologists can remind patients to take the following steps before surgery, according to Dr. Dockweiler:
• Report all medications well before the surgery date. This step is important as some drugs may need to be continued up and through the procedure, while others should be discontinued before surgery.
• Disclose recreational drugs. Concealing information about illicit drug use can cause dangerous and life-threatening side effects when anesthesia is administered.
• Discuss anesthesia history. The patient should be encouraged to inform the anesthesiologist if he or she has had past problems with anesthesia, such as nausea, vomiting, difficulty inserting the breathing tube or other reactions.
• Restrict diet. Patients should be told not to eat or drink anything for at least eight hours before surgery, as a full stomach can increase the likelihood of nausea or vomiting.
• Determine personal needs. The anesthesiologist or surgeon should discuss with the patient whether existing personal medications and medical devices need to be brought to the hospital or surgical facility.
• Arrange for a caregiver. Patients should know to arrange for a ride home from the hospital or ASC and have a caregiver nearby for a least the first evening home.
Read the Sign on San Diego report featuring Dr. David Dockweiler.
Read more on anesthesia:
–4 Ways Anesthesia Provision Will Change in the Next Five Years
–Study: Spinal Anesthesia Does Not Cause or Worsen Restless Leg Syndrome
