Anesthesia Types - FAQ's

Is it possible to wake up in the middle of the procedure?  Stories of patients waking up in the middle of surgical procedures (recall) are dramatically reported in media.  In fact this event is extremely rare.  With the use of newly developed monitors (BIS monitor) recall is even rarer if not impossible.  BIS (bispectral index) monitors the patient’s brain and muscle activity waves to let the anesthesiologist know how deeply the patient is anesthetized.  Every operating room at San Antonio Community Hospital and Ambulatory Surgery Center is equipped with the newest version of BIS monitors. 

Can I get nauseous after anesthesia?  Nausea is a possible side effect of anesthesia.  There are many factors that affect the incidence of nausea after anesthesia.  Patients who have gotten nauseated after surgery before are at specially increased risk of nausea and vomiting after anesthesia.  Be sure to make your anesthesiologist aware if you have a history of getting nauseous after surgery.  Your anesthesiologist can administer medicines to significantly decrease the chance of nausea and vomiting after surgery. 

Should I take my medicines the morning before surgery?  Your surgeon or anesthesiologist should in most instances give you instructions about taking your medications the morning of surgery.  For the most part patients should take their blood pressure and heart medications the day of surgery as they routinely do unless they are otherwise instructed.  Consult your surgeon or primary care doctor for instructions about other medications.  All herbs and supplements should be stopped at least one week prior to surgery.