Outpatient surgery, also known as same-day surgery, allows patients to undergo procedures without needing an overnight hospital stay. When general anesthesia is required for these procedures, understanding what to expect can help ease any concerns and ensure a smooth experience. It can feel overwhelming when you need general anesthesia, but it often makes the experience accessible and less stressful. Your anesthesiologists at Associated Anesthesiologists in Tulsa, OK, can explain how general anesthesia works and what you need to know before getting it.
Understanding General Anesthesia
General anesthesia from your anesthesiologists in Tulsa, OK, is a medication-induced state of unconsciousness that prevents pain and discomfort during surgery. It works by affecting the entire body, rendering you completely unconscious and unable to feel pain. This type of anesthesia is administered by an anesthesiologist, a certified nurse anesthetist (CRNA), or an Anesthesia Assistant (AA) and is used for a wide range of surgical procedures, including many that are performed on an outpatient basis.
Before your surgery, you’ll meet with the anesthesia team to discuss your medical history, any medications you’re taking, and any allergies you may have. This information helps your anesthesiologist tailor the anesthesia plan to your specific needs. You’ll also receive instructions on fasting, as eating or drinking before anesthesia can increase the risk of complications.
The anesthesia team will administer general anesthesia once you’re in the operating room. An IV line will be inserted into your arm to deliver anesthesia medications directly into your bloodstream. Throughout the procedure, your vital signs, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels, will be closely monitored to ensure your safety. Once the anesthesia takes effect, you won’t know anything is happening during the surgery.
After the procedure is completed, the anesthesia will be gradually reduced, and you’ll begin to wake up in a recovery area. You may feel groggy or disoriented as the anesthesia wears off. The recovery team will continue monitoring your vital signs and ensuring you recover well.
Contact Your Anesthesiologist Today
Before receiving general anesthesia, know what the process might entail! Contact your anesthesiologists at Associated Anesthesiologists in Tulsa, OK, to learn more about general anesthesia. Call for more information today at (918) 494-0612.