Anesthesia |
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Anesthesia is a controlled medical procedure through the administration of medication to allow surgical or medical treatment to be done without pain. Anesthesia may cause both conscious and unconscious sedation, and can be used to anesthetize a region of the body (regional anesthesia) or the entire body (general anesthesia). The medications used depend on the treatment area, the type of procedure, time in surgery, health condition, medications regularly taken, as well as age, height and weight of the patient. There are four main types of anesthesia:
Local anesthesia:
Local anesthesia numbs the immediate treatment area.
Local anesthesia and sedation:
Local anesthesia and sedation is a type of sedation where patient is typically awake and groggy but calm during surgery. The surgeon may use a local injection to numb the operative site.
Regional anesthesia:
Regional anesthesia is used to anesthetize a region of the body.
General anesthesia:
General anesthesia today used is usually achieved by intravenous injection and gaseous anesthesia. General anesthesia works to cause hypnosis, loss of memory, analgesia, muscle relaxation and immobilization. Different medications are used to cause these effects. Anesthesia helps to suppress pain, to control natural body reactions to pain and trauma, to cause loss of memory, muscle relaxation and immobilization until the surgical procedure is over. The anesthetized person is unaware of what is happening and feels no pain or anxiety.
The American Society of Anesthesiologists considers complications from anesthesia have declined dramatically over the last 25 years. As the methods of monitoring and medications have advanced, the risk for complications as a direct result of general anesthesia is small. However, some discomfort and even complications may be treated postoperatively. Vast majority of patients have no problem with anesthesia, but some may experience tachycardia (heart rate increase), nausea, vomit, delayed return to normal mental functioning, cerebrovascular accident (rare), or heart attack (rare). Preoperative patient preparation as well as the meet with the anesthesiologist may help prevent any possible complication during surgery. For instance, your surgeon may give you an anti-nausea medication to prevent the risk of vomiting after your surgery.
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Corporal Surgery |
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Facial Surgery |
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Preparing before surgery:
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Inform your surgeon and the anesthesiologist of any medications and supplements that you are taking regularly.
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If you have drunk any alcoholic beverage, it is better to postpone the procedure. Smoking and drinking may increase the risks of anesthetic complications. |
Preoperative instructions for anesthesia
Two (2) weeks before surgery
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Do not take aspirin (acetyl salicylic acid) or anti-inflammatory medications. Please contact Dr. Nieto if you need to clear your doubts.
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Your surgeon may ask you to cease taking herbal or vitamin supplements without formula. Some of these agents may increase postoperative swelling and make slower the surgery recovery time. |
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Stop smoking at least two (2) weeks before surgery and during your recovery time. Smoking increases the risks of surgery complications. |
One (1) week before surgery
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Remember arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you for the first 24 to 72 hours after surgery. Depending on the type of surgery you are having, nursing care assistance might be needed. If you feel you need this type of support, Dr. Nieto can provide a referral. If you consider using this help, please inform your doctor two days before surgery.
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Some medications can be prescribed to minimize any discomfort. Acquire your prescription well in advance of surgery. |
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Before having surgery, make sure you have purchased the drugs your doctor has prescribed. |
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You may need the following basic equipment:
- Thermometer
- Antibacterial soap (Isodine)
- Dressings, gauze
- unblock rated SPT 30 or higher |
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Prepare your home for your recovery and so the healing room. Have some pillows, books, magazines, music, TV control and computer on hand. |
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Get two saline solution bags 500 cc you may use as ice bags to reduce swelling and bruising resulting from surgery. |
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If you are going to be alone during your recovery, prepare several meals ahead of time and store them in your refrigerator for the first days after surgery. |
The day before surgery
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Do not drink any alcoholic beverage. |
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Get enough rest. |
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You may do normal activities, even exercising. |
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Prepare comfortable clothing for the day of surgery. If you are going to stay overnight at the hospital or at the surgical center, pack a small bag or suitcase with two changes of clothing and your toiletries for your hospital stay. |
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You will be asked to stop eating solid foods, beverages and water 8 hours before surgery. |
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The night before surgery, you may eat a light supper and enough liquids until 10:00 p.m. Do not eat anything after this hour. |
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If you are having your procedure in the afternoon, ask your surgeon or anesthesiologist what you can eat and for how long. Remember, if you do not follow your surgeon´s instructions, your surgery may be canceled. |
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You should take all prescribed medications as regularly, (hypertensive or diabetes medications, etc.), and according to the anesthesiologist instructions. |
The day of your surgery
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Wear comfortable clothing. A loose dress with zipper or buttons in front is a good choice. |
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Arrive at the medical center 1 hour before the schedule time of your surgery. |
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We request that only two relatives/friends accompany you the day of your surgery. For more than two visitors, please speak to the nurse/doctor to discuss your needs. It is best if children do not attend.
These are general considerations. Call or email Dr. Nieto if you need to clear out some doubt. Remember, proper preoperative and postoperative care is essential to obtain the best possible results and avoid complications after surgery.
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