Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will I meet my anesthesiologist before surgery?
You will meet your anesthesia provider in the preoperative area. You may again be asked many questions about your health history and provided the opportunity to have your questions answered. No question is too small to ask if it is important to you. Before offering a plan for your anesthesia care, your anesthesiologist will consider all aspects of your medical history and the surgical procedure you are scheduled to receive. The information you give to the anesthesia provider will be used to develop your anesthesia plan, and although confidential, is important for your anesthesia care.Do I have choices about what kind of anesthesia I have?
The best type of anesthesia for you depends on your medical history and on the type of surgical procedure, as well as your choice. Your anesthesia provider will review your health history and, if possible, give you options taking into consideration the length and type of surgical procedure you will be having. Your anesthesia provider will discuss your anesthesia options with you; including the risks and benefits of the various anesthesia options. We strongly advise you to follow your anesthesiologist's recommendation, but the final decision on anesthetic choice is yours to make.My faith forbids me to receive any blood products or transfusions. How do I ensure that this does not happen in surgery?
We recognize that some people refuse to receive a blood transfusion for religious reasons or for personal choice. If you do not wish to receive blood, tell your surgeon about your objections before you are scheduled for surgery. When you get to the hospital, you will sign a form that documents your refusal to receive a blood transfusion or blood products. It is important for the anesthesia provider to know about your objections before the day of surgery to help create a plan for alternatives to blood.Should I bring my medicines, vitamins, or herbs with me to the hospital?
If you cannot bring a list of all your medications, bring your medications with you in their original bottles. Make sure to inform your surgeon and anesthesia provider before surgery of any drugs you take that are not prescribed for you, or if you drink alcohol (liquor, wine or beer) regularly as these medications can affect your response to surgery. Remember, all information of this type is confidential, but important to share with those who are caring for you.What does "monitoring vital signs" mean?
Your vital signs are facts about your health that can be measured and monitored over time. Throughout your surgical experience you vital signs (which include temperature, heart rate (pulse), breathing rate (respirations), blood pressure and presence of pain) will be measured. In addition, the level of oxygen in your blood will be monitored too. Most vital signs are measured constantly using automatic devices. But monitoring is more than just watching. If changes in your vital signs indicate a danger to your health or safety, the anesthesia provider will initiate appropriate treatment to correct it.Will I need antibiotics before surgery?
Some antibiotics, properly given, can greatly lower your chances of getting an infection after surgery. Your surgeon will identify whether antibiotics are helpful for your situation. When they are indicated, the antibiotics will be given within 60 minutes before surgery and stopped within 24 hours in most cases.Will the hair that covers the part of my body that it having surgery need to be shaved?
Electronic clippers will be used to remove hair, if needed, at the site of your surgery. We no longer shave hair because infections can occur at small cuts caused by razors.What will you do to prevent blood clots?
Blood clots are more likely to develop while you are not moving during your surgery. The more complicated your surgery the higher your risk for developing blood clots. Your doctor will know your risk and will take the necessary steps to help prevent them; such as giving you the right medicine before your surgery.Will I receive a separate bill from surgeon and anesthesia provider?
You may receive bills from the following people including but not limited to:
- the hospital
- the surgeon
- the surgical assistant
- anesthia
- pathology
- radiology
If you have additional questions, please ask your doctor or nurse. Call Kishwaukee Community Hospital Pre-Op Services at 815.756.1521 x158936.
