Patient Information - General FAQs
As a patient or a relative of a patient undergoing a procedure requiring anesthesia, you may have questions regarding the anesthetic experience.
Below we have addressed general questions you may have regarding your anesthetic experience with Mobile Anesthesiologists®. Remember to always direct any specific questions you may have to your physician. For additional information regarding anesthesia, visit the American Society of Anesthesiologists web site.
What is anesthesia?
Anesthesia is a drug-induced state resulting in partial or total loss of sensation and/or consciousness (i.e. local/regional anesthetic or general anesthetic or a combination of both.)
What are the different types of anesthesia?
There are several types of anesthesia. The ones you are most likely to encounter are listed below:
Local/Regional Anesthesia—Local anesthesia results in the loss of sensation to a small area of the body and is most often administered by your surgeon. Regional anesthetics, which can include spinal blocks, epidural blocks, and extremity blocks, result in the loss of sensation to a larger part of the body (i.e an arm or a leg) and are administered by an anesthesiologist.
Monitored Anesthesia Care (MAC)—Most commonly known as "IV Sedation," MAC involves the administration of intravenous sedatives and pain medications that may be used to supplement local anesthesia provided by your surgeon. During surgery, a level of sedation is maintained that keeps you unaware of the surgical procedure. Once the surgical procedure is complete, the IV medications are discontinued and you will awaken within minutes.
General Anesthesia—General anesthesia is a state of deep unconsciousness achieved through the use of IV medications and/or inhalational medications.
The type of anesthesia administered depends on many factors, including the type of procedure, the location of the surgery, surgeon preference, and patient preference. Choice of anesthetic can be either one, or a combination of the techniques described above.
Who will provide my anesthesia?
All of the anesthesia providers at Mobile Anesthesiologists® are board certified/eligible medical doctors who have trained at accredited university hospital programs.
Who will oversee my care during my recovery phase?
Some outpatient surgery facilities provide experienced nurses to assist in your recovery. In the event that the facility does not provide appropriately-trained nurses, Mobile Anesthesiologists'® highly trained recovery nurses will care for you during your recovery.
How am I monitored while I’m anesthetized?
While under anesthesia, Mobile Anesthesiologists® uses state of the art devices to closely monitor your heart rhythm, blood pressure, and the oxygen concentration in your blood. To ensure the appropriate amount of anesthesia is administered, a brain wave monitor called a Bispectral Index Monitor (BIS) is also utilized.
What emergency procedures are in place should a serious complication occur?
All outpatient procedures can be performed safely in a properly equipped and staffed office facility. While adverse events are very rare, Mobile Anesthesiologists'® experienced and highly skilled staff have the necessary emergency drugs, equipment, and training to care for you in the event that a complication should occur.
What happens when my procedure is completed?
After your procedure is completed, skilled nursing personnel will continue to monitor your vital signs and provide pain medication and comfort measures until you have met established discharge criteria. You will then be released to go home with a responsible adult.
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