Preparing for an Anaesthetic

There are a number of things patients may consider in advance of a procedure under anaesthetic:

Preoperative assessment

All patients will meet their Anaesthesiologist ahead of their procedure to discuss various anaesthetic options. The surgeon and Anaesthesiologist will collaborate, both with each other, and with the patient, to ensure the patient’s management is aligned with their expectations. Usually, the Anaesthesiologist will meet a patient on the day of surgery in the theatre complex. They will discuss the patient’s medical and surgical history, their current medications, and the most recent dosage of each tablet taken. However if you would like to meet your anaesthesiologist a day or two before your admission please contact Elaine Maxwell, our Practice Manager, on 083 813 3008, or elaine@criticalcarepartners.ie.

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Fees

The fees for many procedures are covered by health insurers. However, for self-paying patients, the surgical consultant will provide a fee quote, accompanied by a procedure code. CCP will then provide an anaesthetic quote based on this. Payment may be taken by phone in advance of the procedure.

Preparation

Fasting at least 6 hours prior to a procedure is required, even when receiving only light sedation. Clear, non-alcoholic drinks are allowed up to 2 hours before the procedure. Nursing staff will advise on food or drink consumption in the case of an unexpected delay. Increased fitness ahead of a procedure is a great help in post-operative recovery. Useful fasting guidelines are also available here:

Fasting Guidelines

Smoking

Smokers have higher complication rates after surgery. These can include chest infections, higher rates of ischaemic heart disease, a higher risk of developing clots and an increased rate of wound infections. Stopping smoking prior to a procedure is advised.

Medications

Most medications may be taken with a sip of water up to the day of surgery, even when fasting. However, diabetic medications plus blood thinners, aspirin, plavix and blood pressure tablets will need to be modified around the time of a procedure. It is important that anti-Parkinsonian medications are continued prior to surgery.

Safety

Anaesthesia is extremely safe and post-operative effects of anaesthetic drugs have vastly improved in recent years. The risk of surgery and anaesthesia is different for everyone. A patient’s risk profile depends on their general health and the extent of their surgery. Please feel free to discuss any concerns with your surgeon and Anaesthesiologist before your operation or contact Elaine Maxwell, our Practice Manager, on 083 813 3008, or elaine@criticalcarepartners.ie.

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Side Effects

Sickness is the most common side effect of an anaesthetic and is known as post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV). To combat this, Anaesthesiologists will give patients anti-sickness medications during the procedure. Everyone is sleepy after they wake from an anaesthetic, and the level of sleepiness may depend on the procedure and its length. Some patients will wake with a sore throat. This is from a tube in the airway to help patients breathe during the procedure. This will ease in a day and is helped by throat lozenge.