Preparing your child for surgery

What is the medical history of Anesthesia?

The branch of medicine known as anesthesiology dates from the discovery by Sir Humphry Davy of the anesthetic properties of nitrous oxide (laughing gas). Horace Wells, a Connecticut dentist, was the first man to successfully use nitrous oxide as an anesthetic when in 1844 he performed tooth extractions using this gas. Dr. William Morton, a dentist and former partner of Dr. Wells, developed the first anesthesia 'machine' in 1846 (a simple glass globe housing an ether-soaked sponge so that patients could inhale the vapor through one of two outlets). On October 16, 1846, Dr. Morton's invention was tested in the surgical amphitheater of Massachusetts General Hospital when a 20-year old man was successfully anesthetized so a tumor could be painlessly removed. This signaled the birth of the modern medical use of Anesthetics.

Why does the anesthesiologist need my medical history?

In order to achieve a clear understanding of your needs and to determine the best anesthetic for you, information regarding your medical conditions must be obtained by your anesthesiologist. It is important to bring a list of all medications that you take on a regular basis or have taken recently. Please remember to include over-the-counter drugs as well as herbal remedies. Smoking and drinking also impact the effect of anesthesia throughout your system.

Why are patients not allowed to eat or drink before surgery?

For most procedures it is necessary for you to have an empty stomach so that the chances of regurgitating any undigested food or liquids are greatly reduced.

What are local, regional and general anesthetics?

Local: In local anesthesia, the anesthetic drug is usually injected into the tissue to numb just the specific location of your requiring minor surgery.
Regional: In regional anesthesia, your anesthesiologist makes an injection near a cluster of nerves to numb the area of your body that requires surgery. You may remain awake, or you may be given a sedative. Two of the most frequently used are spinal anesthesia and epidural anesthesia.
General: In general anesthesia you have no awareness or other sensations. Some general anesthetic drugs are gases or vapors inhaled through a breathing mask or tube, and others are medications introduced through a vein. During anesthesia, you are carefully monitored, and your anesthesiologist tracks all your major bodily functions. At the conclusion of your surgery, your anesthesiologist will reverse the process and you will regain awareness in the recovery room.

How can I have surgery and anesthesia, and then go home?

An increasing number of surgical procedures are performed safely on an outpatient basis. After your surgery, you will be taken to the Post Anesthesia Care Unit, commonly called the Recovery Room. When you meet the discharge criteria that have been determined specifically for you--based on your personal medical condition and the type of surgery--you will be released to go home with a reliable friend or family member. It is extremely important that you arrange for a responsible adult to take you home because your coordination and various reflexes may be impaired for at least 24 hours. Same day surgery allows you to recuperate in the comfort of your home with your family.