For Patients

Before Surgery

A nurse from the facility where you are having your procedure will call you before your surgery and discuss your medical history. It is extremely important that you follow all directions regarding which medications you should or should not take before your surgical procedure and when you should stop eating and drinking. Be sure to have a responsible adult with you at the facility to drive you home after the procedure.

The Day of Surgery

An anesthesia provider will evaluate your medical condition, including your medical history and current medications. The anesthetic choices, risks, and benefits will be discussed with you. Please tell your anesthesia provider if you or a member of your family has ever had anesthesia problems.

After Surgery

Your anesthesiologist is responsible for your care in the recovery room, often called the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU). Specially trained nurses will monitor your condition and vital signs as the effects of the anesthesia wear off.

• Some pain after a surgical procedure is normal. You will be given medications, as needed, to help control your pain.
• Side effects of anesthesia may include nausea and/or vomiting. Medication can be given as needed to help alleviate these side effects.
• It is not uncommon to feel weak or woozy after anesthesia.
• It is not uncommon to experience muscle aches or shivering.
• You may experience a sore throat for a couple of days if you had General Anesthesia.
• If you received a Regional Anesthetic, you may lose sensation and movement in that region of the body for a period of time.
• Anesthesia may remain in your system for up to 24 hours. Therefore, the following Do’s and Don’ts are important:
• Don’t drive a car or operate heavy equipment for 24 hours.
• Don’t drink alcohol for 24 hours.
• Don’t make any important decisions or sign legal documents for 24 hours.
• Don’t smoke.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Eat food as tolerated.
• Take pain medications if needed and as prescribed.
• Rest quietly at home in the care of a friend or relative for 24 hours.

General Anesthesia

This type of anesthesia is provided through a mask or an IV placed in the vein. General anesthesia results in loss of sensation and consciousness. A tube may be placed in your throat to help you breathe. This form of anesthesia is typically used for more invasive procedures.

Monitored Anesthesia Care

This type of anesthesia is provided through an IV to provide relaxation during the surgical procedure. You will feel drowsy and may even fall asleep during the procedure. You may or may not remember some of the procedure. This type of anesthesia is typically used for minor surgeries or shorter, less complex procedures.

Spinal and Epidural Anesthesia

A spinal is an injection given around the spinal cord to allow numbing of the body from the waist area down to your toes.  An epidural uses a small tube that will allow continuous dosing of the anesthesia numbing medication.

Regional Anesthesia

Regional anesthesia is an injection that numbs a region of the body.  This form of anesthesia is often accompanied by sedation through an IV to provide relaxation during the surgical procedure.

Nausea and vomiting

Medication can be provided as needed to alleviate these symptoms. The likelihood of experiencing these side effects can be influenced by various factors including the type of surgery, age, gender, and existing medical conditions. If you experience uncontrolled nausea or vomiting after leaving the hospital, please contact your surgeon or go to the Emergency Room.

Sore throat

The tube that is placed in your throat to help you breathe while you were in surgery can cause a sore throat. This may last for a few days and usually will go away on its own.

Some pain after your surgical procedure is normal.  In the recovery room, you will be given medications, as needed, to help control your pain.  If you experience uncontrolled pain after you get home, please call your surgeon for further pain management instructions.

Oral Injury

It’s possible to sustain an oral or dental injury when the tube is inserted into your mouth for anesthesia. Minor injuries typically resolve on their own within a few days. However, if you continue to experience symptoms after three days or if you have a chipped or broken tooth, please use the concern button located at the bottom of the page.

Headache

If you have recently had an epidural or spinal block procedure, it is possible to experience a headache within a few days. To alleviate this, you can try some conservative measures such as lying flat as much as possible, increasing your fluid and caffeine intake, and avoid heavy lifting. If the headache persists, visiting the Emergency Room and getting a blood patch may also be an option.

Numbness After Nerve Block

It is common to experience numbness for up to two weeks after a nerve block following surgery. It may be necessary to consult a specialist who can perform tests to assess nerve involvement and recommend the most appropriate treatment. If your symptoms last longer than 2 weeks, please use the concern button located at the bottom of the page.

Continuous Nerve Block Catheter/Home Pump

A continuous nerve block catheter/home pump was placed to help with pain relief after your surgery: If you have any questions regarding the pain catheter or home pump, please call the patient hotline at 877-620-6060.

Eye Injury

If you experience a foreign body sensation in your eye, sensitivity to bright lights, or difficulty keeping your eyes open, it may be a sign of a mild corneal abrasion. Fortunately, such abrasions usually heal within 24-48 hours. To increase your comfort, you may consider using lubricant drops. If your symptoms persist beyond three days, please use the concern button located at the bottom of the page.

Itching

Itching can be a common side effect of pain medications. If this occurs, contact your surgeon.

I have questions before surgery, who do I call?

If you have questions about your surgical procedure, please call your surgeon’s office. If you have questions about scheduling or instructions before your surgery, please call the facility where you are having your procedure.

Why are so many questions asked about my medical history?

When it comes to anesthesia and surgery, it’s crucial for your anesthesiologist to have a thorough understanding of your medical history. Not only are they responsible for making sure you’re comfortable during the procedure, but they’re also in charge of your medical well-being throughout the entire surgery. To ensure the safest possible outcome, it’s important that you inform your anesthesiologist about any pre-existing medical conditions, allergies, medications you’re taking (including over-the-counter and illicit drugs), alcohol consumption, and previous experiences with anesthesia.

Why are patients not allowed to eat or drink anything before surgery?

Before most procedures, it’s important to have an empty stomach to minimize the risk of regurgitation or vomiting any undigested food or liquids. This is important because there’s a risk of food or liquid entering your lungs while undergoing sedation or general anesthesia. The facility’s preoperative nurse will call you to give specific instructions prior to surgery. Following these instructions closely is vital as failing to do so may result in the need to postpone surgery.

Will the anesthesia make me sick?

Although many patients worry about nausea and vomiting after anesthesia and surgery, these symptoms are much less common than they once were. However, it can still be an issue, one that is often hard to predict. Factors such as the type of surgery, your gender, your age, and any existing medical conditions can all alter the chances of getting sick after anesthesia. You will be able to speak with your anesthesiologist at the facility prior to your procedure.

When will I feel normal?

Although most patients do not notice any effects, some may be sensitive to small, residual amounts of some anesthetic drugs that remain in the body up to 24 hours. A larger factor is typically the amount of pain you might have based on the type of operation performed and the drugs prescribed to you.

When you receive medical care at a hospital, it’s common to receive two bills – one from the hospital which is called a “facility fee”, and one from the physicians who provided your care known as the “professional fee”. The bill you receive from us specifically covers the professional fees related to the anesthesia care you received. If you have questions or concerns related to your bill, please contact us at the number provided on your statement.

If you would like to request an estimate for anesthesia services, please fill out our form.

Anesthesia Practice Consultants wants you to have the best possible care. Please review these rights and responsibilities carefully and let us know if you have any questions. Unless medically contraindicated, these rights apply to all adults, children, and adolescents treated by APC staff and their parents and/or guardians.

YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO:

Be treated with respect, consideration, and dignity

Know the name of the physicians, nurses, and staff members responsible for your care

To change your anesthesia provider if another qualified provider is available

To receive informed consent prior to the procedure, or refuse treatment

To have your procedure explained in a language you understand To privacy and security

To understand all records an communications will be treated confidentially, and to approve or refuse their release except when release is required by law To participate in your decisions of health care

To know if any research will be one during your care and the right to refuse to participate

To receive truthful information regarding your illness along with knowledge of the benefits and risks of each alternative treatment

To understand the fees for services and payment policies

To understand after-hours provisions and emergency care

To receive a written statement of your rights and responsibilities as a patient and inquire regarding advance directives

YOU HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY TO:

To read and understand all permits and/ or consents to be signed: either ask the nurse or physician to clarify any information not understood about your care or services

Provide complete and accurate information to the best of your knowledge regarding your health, medications (including over the counter products, dietary supplements) and allergies or sensitivities

Follower your treatment plan as prescribed

Provide a responsible adult to transport you home from the facility and remain with you Accept personal financial responsibility for any charges not covered by your insurance

Inform your provider regarding a living will, advance directives, medical power of attorney that may affect your care

Be respectful of all health care providers, staff as well as other patients.

If you would like to submit a comment or complaint you may do so in writing to:

Privacy Officer | 3333 Evergreen Dr. NE |

Grand Rapids, MI 49525

If you believe your concerns have not been adequately addressed you may contact:

Michigan Department of Community Health – Bureau of Health Systems

PO Box 30664 | Lansing, Michigan 48909 | Phone: 800-882-6006

You may also visit the website for the Office of Medicare Beneficiary Ombudsman.

If you are having a medical emergency, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911.