When should I stop eating and drinking before my surgery?

Fasting prior to any procedure involving anesthesia is very important, as the health consequences of aspiration (food contents coming up from the stomach and being inhaled into the lungs) can be severe. In general, it is recommended that no solid food be eaten for eight hours prior to the procedure. Brushing teeth the morning of surgery is recommended. Clear, thin liquids (water, black coffee/tea, juice with no pulp, sports electrolyte drink) may be consumed up to two hours prior to the procedure. Noncompliance with fasting recommendations could result in cancelling of the procedure on the day of surgery.

When will I meet my anesthesiologist?

If you visit our Preoperative Clinic you will likely be seen by either an anesthesiologist or nurse practitioner. The goal of this visit is to go over your medical history, physical exam, and studies to ensure you are prepared for your upcoming procedure and consolidate helpful heath information for your anesthesiologist. Your meeting with your personal anesthesiologist will occur on your day of surgery in the preoperative area.

What should I bring or not bring to my procedure?

You should not bring jewelry, money, credit cards and other valuables. You should pack storage containers for dentures, removable bridges, contacts and glasses. You should bring your insurance cards and ID/driver’s license. Please remove any piercings from your body prior to coming to surgery. Wear loose, comfortable clothing. If your surgeon has told you that you will be staying overnight, pack a small overnight bag with your personal items. Please bring your CPAP machine if you use one.

Anything special to know about anesthesia for my knee or hip replacement?

Certain aspects of hip and knee replacement surgery allow for specialized anesthesiology techniques that studies have shown may improve patient outcomes and overall experience. In many cases, spinal anesthesia may be a good option. Additionally, certain nerve block injections may be available to help control pain locally, decreasing the need for oral and intravenous pain medications. Our EBAMG Acute Pain Service often assists in your postoperative pain management to optimize your comfort during early rehabilitation.

Can I drive my car home after my procedure if I am discharged?

We do not allow patients to drive themselves home from surgery involving anesthesia. Though many of our medications are metabolized relatively quickly and you may feel wide awake, it is recommended for your safety that you operate no heavy machinery or make any important decisions until the day after your surgery.

What kind of anesthesia will I have for my surgery?

Most surgical procedures are performed under general anesthesia, monitored anesthesia care or “twilight” anesthesia, or pure local anesthesia. General anesthesia implies that you will be completely unconscious, typically with some sort or airway device in place to assist your breathing. Monitored anesthesia care implies that your anesthesiologist will provide sedation for the procedure. Pure local anesthesia implies that the proceduralist will provide local anesthetic injections near the surgical site with minimal or no sedation. An anesthesiologist is usually not involved with local anesthesia cases. Your anesthesiologist will meet with you on the day of surgery to discuss anesthetic options and the best plan to maximize your comfort and safety during the procedure.

Should I stop any medications before my surgery?

It is important that you discuss your medications before your surgery with either your surgeon, your primary care doctor, or with a nurse practitioner or anesthesiologist in our Preoperative Clinic. Some medications such as anticoagulation or antiplatelet medications (commonly known as “blood thinners”) may require a special withholding plan prior to your procedure to prevent excess bleeding. Many diabetes medications may also need to be held the day of surgery to prevent low blood sugar. Most blood pressure and heart medications should be continued. Pain and anxiety medications which are taken daily are generally appropriate to take before surgery as well.

Will I feel nauseated after my procedure?

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is one of the most common and unpleasant side effects of anesthesia, however advances in anesthesia medications and techniques have helped decrease it’s occurrence. If you have a history of PONV or feel you become easily nauseated be sure to let your anesthesiologist know so they can take special preventative precautions.

How do I know if my insurance is accepted by my anesthesiologist?

All anesthesiologists that provide services in the Alta Bates Summit Medical Center System are part of EBAMG. As a group, we make it a priority to have enrollment and participation with the majority of local, state, and federal insurance companies. If you would like to confirm that we are “in-network” prior to your procedure, please call your insurance company and advise them that you will receive care from East Bay Anesthesiology Medical Group (EBAMG). You can use our EBAMG specific reference numbers to help validate coverage: Group NPI # 1649226242 or Group TIN #943193184.

If you would like a quote for your procedure before the day of surgery please call our customer service line at 877-328-4738.