Before Anesthesia

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If you will be having a procedure, surgical or otherwise, that requires anesthesia, it is very important to know a few guidelines about how to prepare yourself for the administration of that anesthesia. Following these guidelines carefully will help your procedure go as smoothly and comfortably as possible.

Local Anesthesia And/Or Nitrous Oxide

If your procedure will be performed under local anesthesia alone or a combination of local anesthesia and nitrous oxide, you may eat a light meal several hours before your appointment. If you are taking any medications regularly, be they prescription, non-prescription or herbal supplements, be sure that you have made Dr. Arroyo aware of them and have received instructions as to whether they are safe to take as usual on the day of your procedure or the days leading up to it. If your procedure will be extensive, having someone available to drive you home afterwards may be wise.

IV Sedation

Patients who will be having IV sedation have more stringent guidelines to follow to ensure safety and comfort during their procedures. These include:

  • Refrain from all food and drink for 8 hours before your procedure
  • Due to the need for fasting, patients with diabetes or children should schedule early morning appointments
  • Refrain from smoking or using tobacco products for at least 12 hours before your appointment
  • Alcohol should be avoided for 72 hours before your procedure
  • Make sure that Dr. Arroyo is aware of any prescription, non-prescription or herbal medications you’re taking well in advance of your procedure, and ask for instructions on whether they should be taken the day before and/or day of your procedure.
  • Have a responsible adult come with you to your appointment, wait through your procedure and drive you home afterwards
  • Do not drive or operate machinery for at least 24 hours after undergoing IV sedation
  • Choose clothing that allows easy access to your arms for the purpose of administering your IV sedation, preferably short sleeves
  • Wear stable, flat, comfortable shoes to ensure your safety after anesthesia administration
  • Do not wear lipstick, nail polish or a lot of makeup to your appointment
  • Remove contact lenses, dentures and jewelry before your procedure
  • If you feel you are coming down with a sore throat, cold or any other illness, please notify our office as soon as possible

If you have any questions about any part of these guidelines, please call the office well in advance of your procedure appointment. We will be happy to clarify any details you find confusing to ensure that you have a safe and comfortable experience under our care.

Administration of Anesthesia from AAOMS.org on Vimeo.

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