Before IV or General Anesthesia

Important Instructions Regarding Your Anesthesia / I.V. and General

You will be given a local anesthesia for your surgery, along with other anesthesia choices below. 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. Tops/shirts should have sleeves that are easily drawn up above the elbow. Females should remove nail polish before surgery, and apply as little makeup as possible.

INTRAVENOUS ANESTHESIA

Numbness from local anesthesia can last up to 3-6 hours after your appointment. This is for your comfort after your surgery.

INTRAVENOUS SEDATION: Medications are given through a vein in your arm or hand, which will cause total relaxation and, although you will not actually be unconscious, there will be very little recall (if any) of the events surrounding surgery.

Do not eat or drink anything (including water) for six (6) hours prior to surgery. However, it is important that you take any regular medications (high blood pressure, antibiotics, etc.) or any pre-medication prescription that we have provided, using only a small sip of water.

• For morning appointments, skip breakfast.
• For afternoon appointments, eat a light breakfast six (6) hours before your appointment and skip lunch and other liquid including water until after your appointment.
• Take any regular medications with only enough water to get the pill down.
• You MUST have someone drive you home.
• Plan to rest for the remainder of the day. Do not drive or operate power tools, machinery, etc., for 24 hours after surgery.

GENERAL ANESTHESIA: Medications are given through a vein, which will result in total loss of consciousness, complete lack of recall of the event and may have a somewhat longer recovery time. General anesthesia has an excellent safety record as an office procedure, but may, if indicated, be provided in a hospital setting. (Your health insurance may not cover you unless there is a bona fide medical reason for hospitalization.)

Follow the instructions above. If you have any questions please call the office.

OTHER SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

If you prefer to listen to your own music, feel free to bring a CD or cassette tape player with small earphones (not recommended with general anesthesia).

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.