“Do I need to meet with an anesthesiologist before my surgery?”
I need to have a surgery under general anesthesia. Do I need to meet with my anesthesiologist before my surgery?
8 Answers
Yes. It's mandatory and very important.
Yes. You should ALWAYS meet the the people taking care of you. You may not remember much though if it you were given versed that gives anterograde and amnesia.
Yes, it is typical to meet with an anesthesiologist prior to your procedure. This may happen before or the day of the surgery depending on what type of surgery they are doing, your general health, and what anesthesia is planned. This will allow you time to ask any specific questions you may have about the general anesthesia, what risks are there with general anesthesia, if alternative anesthesia may be appropriate. The anesthesiologist will ask you about your past experiences, if any, you may have had with anesthesia, ask general medical questions, perform a physical assessment, and go over the anesthetic plan.
Only if you have many questions. If your procedure is minor and you are healthy, it isn't necessary. You can ask all of your questions when you get to the hospital.
Definitely yes. The anesgthesiologist has to know your health status and the past history of illness, surgery and anesthesia as well as your particular need or preference for the type of anesthesia if there are choices under a particular circumstances.
Replay, a member from the anesthesia team will speak with you before your surgery.
Kush Tripathi
Kush Tripathi
You will meet your anesthesiologist for a history and physical
Typically you do not need to meet with your anesthesiologist preoperatively. If you have a rare medical problem, a history of difficult experiences with anesthesia, familial difficulties with anesthesia that could be inherited, then you can ask your surgeon to have the anesthesiologist call you the night before surgery. For the most part, meeting your anesthesiologist the day of surgery is sufficient. Your anesthesiologist should review your chart for health issues, medications, allergies to medicines, preoperative vital signs, laboratory results if available, perform an examination of your airway, heart and lungs and answer your questions. Anesthesiologists (or any other anesthesia provider) are expected to perform this preoperative assessment.
