Anesthesia? What is it all about?

Before and during surgery, an anesthesia specialist will take charge of your comfort and safety. He or she will give you the anesthesia and closely monitor you. This means he or she will check your blood pressure, breathing, heart rate, and other vital body functions throughout the surgery. During surgery, the anesthesia specialist also will continue to give anesthesia to keep you free of pain.

How quickly the anesthesia wears off depends on the anesthetics and other medicines used and on your response to the medicines.

After surgery, you will be taken to the recovery room. A nurse will check your vital signs and any bandages and ask about how much pain you have. If you are in pain, don’t be afraid to say so.

Some effects of anesthesia may last for many hours after surgery.

• You may have some numbness or less feeling in part of your body if you had local or regional anesthesia.
• Your muscle control and coordination may be affected.
• You may have nausea and vomiting. Most of the time, this can be treated and doesn’t last long.
• You may feel cold and may shiver when you first wake up.

For minor surgeries, you may go home the same day. If surgery is more complicated, you may have to move to a hospital room to continue your recovery. If you stay in the hospital, your doctor or nurse will visit you to check on your recovery and answer any questions you have.