Anesthesiology Overview
When you come to Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute for any procedure, your safety and comfort are our first priorities. Together, our surgery center and hospital perform more than 15,000 orthopedic procedures each year. And because we specialize exclusively in orthopedics, we offer unique expertise in a wide variety of procedures and provide targeted pain relief.
Anesthesiology FAQs
Learn more in our frequently asked questions:
What is an anesthesiologist and what do they do?
An anesthesiologist is a medical doctor who specializes in anesthesia, caring for patients to safely prevent pain during a procedure or surgery. They take care of you before, during and after your procedure. Your anesthesiologist makes sure your vital signs – blood pressure, heart rate, temperature and oxygen levels – are stable throughout the surgery. Anesthesiologists at Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute practice exclusively in orthopedics and only at Orlando Health. Our board certified anesthesiologists are experts at developing the best way to approach anesthesia for your specific procedure.
Can I talk with my anesthesiologist before surgery?
You will meet your anesthesiologist and a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) or Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant (CAA) the day of the operation, before surgery and you may ask questions at that time. If you have any questions or concerns related to your anesthesia, we encourage you to discuss them with your physician.
Can I eat or drink before surgery?
You will be given specific instructions about eating and drinking by the nurse who contacts you the day before your surgery, including which medications you should take prior to surgery. Restricting your eating and drinking prior to surgery reduces your risks for complications, so it’s important to observe the schedule you are given prior to surgery. Your team will also discuss any allergies or conditions that may affect your procedure.
Am I going to be asleep during my surgery?
Whether you are awake or asleep will depend on your individual procedure. Our dedicated anesthesia team is experienced in all types of anesthesia, including general anesthesia, regional anesthesia and local anesthesia. Your surgeon and anesthesiologist will determine the type of anesthesia that best suits your procedure. In many cases, your anesthetic can be customized to meet your expectations and preferences.
What can I expect during anesthesia?
What happens during a procedure will be different for each patient. In general, you can expect:
- An IV or small catheter (tube) will be placed into a vein in your arm. This allows you to receive fluids and medications.
- In case of general anesthesia, a tube is inserted through your mouth and into your airway (windpipe) once you are asleep, to help you breathe during the procedure.
- Our team continually checks your breathing, heart rate, blood pressure and temperature during the procedure.
What can I expect after the procedure, in terms of pain?
What you feel after surgery depends on the type of anesthesia used. Your healthcare team will work with you to manage your pain. You may receive one or more of the following options to help you manage your pain:
- Pain medication through an IV, injection or pill
- Ice or cold therapy
- Repositioning with pillows or supports
- Post-operative physical therapy
Will anesthesia make me nauseous?
If you have a history of nausea and vomiting following surgery or a history of motion sickness, please talk to your anesthesiologist before surgery. Your anesthesiologist will review your case to see if you are a candidate for regional anesthesia. Patients who undergo regional anesthesia are less likely to report feelings of nausea or vomiting following surgery and our team routinely combines anti-nausea medications with anesthetic to reduce the risk of postoperative nausea. If you have a history of nausea and vomiting following surgery or a history of motion sickness, please talk to your anesthesiologist before surgery.
Anesthesia Techniques
The different types or techniques of anesthesia include:
- General anesthesia blocks most sensation. These anesthetics cause you to lose consciousness, similar to going to sleep.
- Spinal anesthesia is an injection in your back that temporarily blocks feeling below the waist, particularly for those undergoing total knee or hip arthroplasty.
- Monitored anesthesia care (MAC) uses anesthesia that sedates or calms you and may induce a sleep-like state. But MAC does not cause you to fully lose consciousness.
- Regional or local anesthesia acts on a specific area of the body. Epidural and spinal blocks are often used to numb the lower half of the body. Other nerve blocks can be injected or given through a vein (an IV) to a specific area, such as an arm or leg.
- Peripheral nerve blocks act on a specific area of the body through an injection of a local anesthetic near the nerve controlling sensation or movement to the local area requiring surgery.
You may receive one type of anesthesia or a combination of types. A doctor or nurse who specializes in anesthesia will recommend options based on your needs.
Our Team
A doctor who specializes in anesthesia care is called an anesthesiologist. An advanced practice provider (APP) with specialized training in anesthesia is called a CRNA (certified registered nurse anesthetist) or certified anesthesiologist assistant (CAA).
All of our anesthesiologists are dedicated exclusively to Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute and practice only with Orlando Health. This exclusive relationship sets us apart as most hospitals outsource their anesthesia team. Having our own dedicated anesthesia team benefits patients for the following reasons:
- Our anesthesiologists are dedicated exclusively to orthopedics.
- Our team communicates directly with your physicians, inpatient staff and hospitalists.
- Because we are all on staff, your billing process is streamlined rather than outsourced.
Meet the Team
At Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute, our dedicated team of anesthesiology experts ensures a safe, seamless experience for every patient. Our anesthesiologists are highly trained physicians specializing in anesthesia care, while our Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) and Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants (CAAs) provide advanced support in delivering personalized care.
