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.