Patient Education
At LCA, patient comfort, safety, and quality of care are at the center of everything we do. We believe informed patients feel more confident and prepared.
What Is Anesthesia?
Anesthesia is the use of medications and monitoring to help prevent pain, reduce anxiety, and support comfort and safety during surgery or other medical procedures. Anesthesia care is not limited to the procedure itself—it also includes evaluation before the procedure and recovery afterward.
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Types of Anesthesia
General Anesthesia
General anesthesia uses carefully administered medications to keep you fully asleep and unaware during a procedure. It is commonly used for more complex surgeries when complete comfort and stillness are important. Throughout your care, the anesthesia team closely monitors you to help ensure your safety and comfort at every stage.
Regional Anesthesia
Regional anesthesia numbs a larger area of the body, such as an arm, leg, or the lower half of the body, so you do not feel pain during a procedure. Depending on your care plan, you may remain awake or receive light sedation for comfort, and it can also help provide pain relief after surgery.
Examples of Regional Anesthesia
Spinal Anesthesia
Numbs the lower half of the body through medication placed near the spinal fluid for lower abdominal or leg procedures.
Epidural Anesthesia
Delivered through a small catheter placed near the spine to block pain in a larger area, commonly used during labor.
Nerve Blocks
Uses medication to numb a specific nerve or group of nerves, reducing pain in targeted areas and limiting opioid needs.
Local Anesthesia
Local anesthesia numbs a small, specific area of the body where the procedure is being performed while you remain awake. It is often used for minor procedures to keep you comfortable and reduce discomfort in a focused area.
Monitored Anesthesia Care (MAC) / Sedation
Monitored Anesthesia Care, often called sedation or “twilight anesthesia,” uses medication to help you feel relaxed and comfortable during a procedure. Depending on the level of sedation, you may be drowsy but still able to respond, and many patients remember little or nothing afterward.
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Follow Instructions: Follow all instructions from your surgeon, facility, and anesthesia team regarding eating, drinking, and medications.
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Eating & Drinking: Most procedures require you be NPO (nothing by mouth) for at least 8 hours prior to surgery. Clear liquids are allowed up to 2 hours before.
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Medication & Supplements: Some medications, supplements, vitamins, and herbal products may need to be stopped for up to one week before surgery, so please consult your surgeon or care team in advance for specific instructions.
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Medical History: Bring a current list of all medications, supplements, vitamins, and herbal products, and be prepared to discuss any allergies, prior anesthesia experiences, medical conditions, and any special dental work.
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Lab Work: Ensure your blood work is up to date.
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Health Disclosures: Tell your anesthesia team about tobacco use, alcohol use, supplements, diet pills, and any weight-loss or diabetes medications if applicable.
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​Truthful and accurate answering of the questions is important so the anesthetist can select the proper anesthetics.
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Pre-Op Instructions
Ensuring your safety and comfort begins with proper preparation. Please review these essential steps before your scheduled procedure.
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Arrival & Preparation: Arrive early as instructed by your surgeon or facility to ensure enough time for check-in and pre-procedure preparation.
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Medical Review: An anesthesia professional will review your medical history, current medications, allergies, and prior experiences to finalize your care plan.
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Continuous Monitoring: Your vitals, including heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels, will be monitored closely to maintain your comfort and safety.
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Personalized Methods: The choice of anesthesia method is tailored to your specific procedure, health history, and what is safest for you.
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Breathing Support: Depending on the level of sedation, your care team may use an airway device to help maintain a clear airway and support your breathing.
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Dedicated Team: Anesthesia professionals remain by your side throughout the procedure, adjusting medications and continuously tracking your condition.
Day of Your Procedure
Learn what to expect upon arrival and how our anesthesia team ensures your safety and comfort throughout the day of your procedure.
Post-Op Information
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Common Side Effects: You may feel drowsy, sore, chilly, or nauseated for a period of time depending on the procedure and type of anesthesia used.
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Customized Support: Your care team will monitor your recovery and provide discharge instructions or transition instructions if you are staying in the hospital.
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Follow Instructions & Rest: If you go home the same day, follow all instructions about activity, eating and drinking, medications, and when to seek medical attention.
Your safety and comfort remain our priority throughout your recovery. Please observe these guidelines as you begin your healing process.
FAQs
What should I do to prepare before my procedure?
Before surgery, follow all fasting instructions provided by your care team, which typically means no food or drink for 8 hours prior to your procedure. During your preoperative review, be prepared to share your medical history, allergies, current medications, vitamins or supplements, past anesthesia experiences, smoking or alcohol use, sleep apnea, and any loose teeth, dentures, or bridges so your anesthesia team can choose the safest plan for your care. See our pre-op guide for more information.
Why is this information so important?
Even routine details can affect anesthesia, breathing, blood pressure, bleeding risk, or recovery. Sharing complete and accurate information helps your care team plan ahead and reduce the chance of complications.
Will I be awake or asleep during my procedure?
This depends on the type of anesthesia selected for your procedure. For general anesthesia, you will be fully asleep. For sedation or regional anesthesia, you may be drowsy but relaxed. Your anesthesia professional will discuss the best plan for your safety and comfort.
Will I wake up during surgery?
With general anesthesia, waking up during surgery is very uncommon. Your anesthesia team monitors you closely and adjusts medications as needed to help keep you safe and comfortable.
Will I feel pain during surgery?
Your anesthesia plan is designed to prevent pain and keep you comfortable during the procedure. The type of anesthesia used depends on the procedure, your health history, and the level of pain control needed.
What side effects are common after anesthesia?
Common short-term side effects can include drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, chills, muscle aches, or a sore throat. Most are temporary and improve as the anesthesia wears off. You should follow your discharge instructions and avoid driving or making important decisions until you have fully recovered. Contact your surgeon or care team if you have worsening pain, repeated vomiting, trouble breathing, fever, unexpected bleeding, or symptoms that are not improving.
Why might I have a sore throat after surgery?
A mild sore throat can happen if oxygen or an airway device was used during the procedure. This usually improves within a day or two.
How long does it take to recover from anesthesia?
Recovery time varies based on the type of anesthesia, the procedure, and your overall health. Many patients feel much better within hours, while some effects such as tiredness may last longer.
Who do I contact if I have concerns after I go home?
For non-urgent concerns after discharge, please contact your surgeon’s office or the medical facility where your procedure was performed. For immediate medical emergencies, always call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room.
Fasting helps reduce the risk of food or liquid from the stomach entering the lungs during anesthesia or sedation. Your care team will give you specific instructions about when to stop eating and drinking before your procedure.
Why is fasting before surgery important?
Can I take my regular medications before surgery?
Some medications should be taken as usual, while others may need to be adjusted or stopped for a period of time. Follow the instructions from your surgeon, anesthesia team, or prescribing doctor, and ask if you are unsure.
What should I wear to the hospital or surgery center?
Wear loose, comfortable clothing that is easy to change in and out of. Leave jewelry and valuables at home, and follow any instructions about removing contact lenses, piercings, dentures, or hearing aids before your procedure.
Who will be involved in my anesthesia care?
Your care may be provided by an anesthesiologist, a certified registered nurse anesthetist, or both, depending on the procedure and care setting. Your anesthesia team will review your health, explain the plan, administer anesthesia, and monitor you throughout the procedure and early recovery.