Oasis Surgery Center in Palm Dale, CA
Are you or someone you love facing a major surgical procedure? You came to the right place. If you have never gone “under the proverbial knife” before, all of us here at (MAG) the Metro Anesthesia Group would like to ease your mind by giving you a few helpful pre-op pointers.
Surgeries today are safe if you hire an expert anesthesia provider and follow the right steps.
How should you prepare as a patient?
- Fasting is almost always required
It doesn’t matter what procedure you’re having done, most surgeons will want your stomach to be empty before you are sedated. Why? General anesthesia relaxes the muscles in your digestive tract and airway. When those muscles are relaxed, food and acid can pass from your stomach into your lungs.
If you’re someone who lives by the motto: “Never go hungry,” you will need to adjust your life motto just this once. Fasting is usually necessary about 6 hours before your surgery. If you simply have to ingest food or drink, tell your doctor about your situation. You may be able to drink clear fluids until a few hours prior, but ask your physician first.
- Do you have a pre-existing medical condition?
If you do have a pre-existing condition of any kind, talk to your doctor about it. Your physician may let you take some of your regular medications with a small sip of water during your fasting time. But when it comes to anesthesia, assume nothing. Always ask your physician.
- Some medications should be avoided, which ones?
Everyone reacts differently to anesthesia, so speak with your doctor if you are currently taking any medication, even if it is over-the-counter. You may need to avoid some medicines like aspirin as they may cause complications during surgery. Your physician may also instruct you to avoid some over-the-counter blood thinners for at least a week before your procedure.
- Do you take vitamin supplements?
Ask your doctor if it is okay to ingest dietary supplements before your surgery. Some vitamins and herbal supplements like ginseng, garlic, Ginkgo Biloba, St. John’s Wort, kava, and others may cause complications during your procedure.
- Are you diabetic?
If you suffer from any type of diabetes, speak with your physician about any changes to your medications during your fasting period. Most diabetics will not be required to take oral diabetes medication the morning of the surgery. If you take insulin however, your doctor may recommend a reduced dose. Check with your doctor.
- Do you have sleep apnea?
If you have sleep apnea, it is important that you discuss your condition with your physician before your surgery. Your anesthesiologist or anesthetist will most likely need to carefully monitor your breathing during and after your procedure.
If this is your first trip to our blog, welcome. MAG provides all of our patients with expert anesthesia care, great bedside manner, and outstanding customer service. From “pre op” to “post op,” we don’t stop until your job is done right.
We could specialize in “one-off” jobs where the relationship takes a back seat but who wants to work with an anesthesia professional who is out the door the second the patient opens their eyes? Not us. We prefer to build lasting relationships so you can rely on us to be there when you need us most.
Do you want to learn more about what the Metro Anesthesia Group can do for you? We invite you to contact us today.
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