If you are scheduled for surgery that requires anesthesia, here's what you need to know about how to best prepare for your procedure.
Each year, millions of Americans undergo procedures that require anesthesia, a type of medication given to reduce or prevent pain. There are several kinds of anesthesia, and the type you will receive will depend on a variety of factors. These factors include but are not limited to physical condition, age, the type of surgery and past reactions to anesthetics.
Here's what you need to know to prepare for surgery that requires anesthesia.
Questions Before Surgery
The medical professional involved with your procedure will typically start by asking questions about your medical history, the medications you take, prior surgical procedures and whether you have any allergies. Your answers will help guide the team to determine the best anesthetic for you.
Field experts recommend that you ask your team questions. Examples of these questions include but are not limited to the following:
- What should I avoid eating or drinking before my surgery?
- I am diabetic; are there any special concerns before or after I have my surgery?
- I take herbal supplements; will these pose any problems, or is it all right to keep taking them before my surgery?
Medications and Anesthesia
The American Association of Nurse & Anesthetists (AANA) stresses the importance of telling your medical team about the medications you are taking before having a surgical procedure. This includes all prescription and over-the-counter medications.
Some medications may need to be stopped before surgery for your safety. These medications include aspirin and medications to decrease inflammation, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), as they can increase your risk of bleeding.
However, this does not mean you should stop taking your medication without your health care provider's instructions. Before surgery, you will be instructed on what medications to stop taking and when to stop taking them.
Herbal Products and Anesthesia
When discussing the medications you are taking, the AANA recommends you disclose all of the products you take, which includes herbal products like garlic, ginger, Ginkgo biloba, kava kava, St. John's wort and black cohosh.
Herbal products are sometimes referred to as dietary supplements, alternative therapies, complementary medicine, and homeopathic or holistic products.
Many consider natural herbal products safe. However, this is not necessarily the case. Many herbal products, when taken close to a procedure or surgery, may increase your risk for bleeding, lead to changes in blood pressure or result in changes in heart rhythm.
In addition, some herbal products may affect the way the anesthetic works. The AANA recommends stopping the use of herbal products at least one to two weeks prior to the scheduled procedure/surgery.
When preparing for surgery, don't hesitate to speak freely to your medical team. The more information your doctor has, the better.
