Nearly two-thirds of surgeries today are performed at outpatient facilities, meaning you don’t need to pack an overnight bag. But just as if you were having the procedure in the hospital, you will likely need anesthesia and should plan to have a safe and successful experience.
Several things can increase the likelihood of having a good result, whether you’re having a mole removed, a hernia repaired, or a knee replaced, notes Dr. J.P. Abenstein, president of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA). “Before surgery, you should be as healthy as possible and closely follow pre-operative directions,” says Abenstein. “Be sure that the center where your surgery takes place and the surgeon and other health professionals in charge of your care are qualified.”
Physician Anesthesiologists and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) play a vital role in patient safety. They meet with you before surgery and closely monitor your anesthesia and vital body functions during the operation. They ensure a smooth recovery and controlled pain.
To improve patient safety, ASA developed a checklist to help patients prepare for an outpatient procedure:
1. Do your homework – Before surgery, make sure:
-
- Visit our Provider Directory to check whether the surgeon/physician is board-certified. Be sure the surgeon—as well as the nurses and other staff—has plenty of experience performing your specific procedure.
- Emergency procedures are in place. Complications are rare, but they can happen. Know your risks and ask questions.
2. Find out who will provide the anesthesia – Be sure your anesthesia care is led by a Physician Anesthesiologist or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), professionals in anesthesia, pain, and critical care medicine and work with your surgeon to develop and administer your anesthesia care plan.
3. Discuss your medications and health – When you talk with your Physician Anesthesiologist or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) before surgery, be sure to discuss your complete health history, including any conditions you have. You should also provide a list of all of the medications, supplements, and vitamins you take. Some can cause problems during surgery by reacting to the anesthesia. Your physician anesthesiologist may tell you to stop taking some medications before surgery.
4. Follow pre-surgical directions – For most types of anesthesia (other than local), you may be asked not to eat or drink anything after midnight before your procedure. This is a safety precaution that your provider has put in place. In some cases, you may be able to drink clear liquids. Your provider may request you not to take certain medications on the day of surgery or for several days before surgery. Certain medications may interact with your surgical anesthesia or procedure.
5. Plan for recovery time—It will take time to recover from anesthesia and surgery. The amount of time depends on the surgery and the type of anesthesia you have. We usually ask a friend or family member to wait for you during your procedure and transport you home afterward. We may also ask if you have help at home to help you recover. You may not be able to drive for a while, especially if you are taking pain medication.
6. Do your best to get healthy – Spend time before the procedure exercising, eating right, and getting good sleep so that you’re in the best shape possible to have surgery. It’s essential to stop smoking. Smoking can cause problems with breathing and recovery from anesthesia, including wound infections, pneumonia, and heart attacks.
To learn more, visit asahq.org/WhenSecondsCount.