top of page
Search

General Anaesthesia: How do you prepare and what to expect!

1. Introduction

This booklet is designed to help you understand what to expect before, during, and after your surgery. Our goal is to ensure you are well-informed, comfortable, and prepared for your upcoming procedure.


2. Understanding General Anesthesia

  • What it is: General anesthesia is a controlled, medically induced state of unconsciousness used during surgery so you feel no pain.

  • How it works: Medications are given through an IV or breathing mask to keep you asleep and pain-free.

  • Safety: Modern anesthesia is very safe, and your vital signs will be closely monitored throughout the procedure.


3. Pre-Surgery Instructions

A. Fasting Guidelines

  • Nothing to eat or drink (including water, gum, or candy) for at least 6–8 hours before surgery, unless otherwise instructed.

  • This prevents complications such as vomiting or aspiration during anesthesia.

B. Medications

  • Tell your doctor about all medicines, supplements, or herbal products you take.

  • You may be advised to:

    • Continue some essential medicines (like for blood pressure).

    • Stop certain drugs (like blood thinners or diabetes medicines) before surgery.

C. Health Precautions

  • Report any fever, cough, cold, or recent illness to your doctor immediately.

  • Inform your team if you have:

    • Diabetes

    • Heart or lung disease

    • Allergies (especially to medicines or latex)

    • History of anesthesia reactions


4. What to Bring to the Hospital

  • Hospital documents and ID

  • List of medications

  • Insurance papers

  • Comfortable, loose-fitting clothes

  • Avoid wearing:

    • Jewelry, makeup, nail polish

    • Contact lenses

    • Valuables


5. On the Day of Surgery

  1. Admission: You’ll be checked in and prepared for surgery.

  2. Pre-Operative Area: Nurses will take your vital signs, insert an IV, and confirm your identity and procedure.

  3. Meeting the Anesthetist: They will review your health, explain the anesthesia plan, and answer questions.

  4. In the Operating Room: You will receive medication to relax, followed by anesthesia to make you sleep.


6. After Surgery (Recovery Room)

  • You will wake up in the recovery area under close monitoring.

  • Common experiences:

    • Mild sore throat (from breathing tube)

    • Sleepiness or grogginess

    • Mild nausea

  • Pain relief will be given as needed.

  • Once stable, you will be moved to your ward or ICU.


7. Possible Risks of General Anesthesia

Most patients have no serious problems, but possible risks include:

  • Nausea/vomiting

  • Sore throat

  • Shivering

  • Temporary confusion (especially in elderly)

  • Rare but serious:

    • Allergic reaction

    • Breathing or heart complications

    • Awareness under anesthesia (extremely rare)



8. Your Role in a Safe Surgery

  • Follow all fasting and medication instructions exactly.

  • Give accurate medical history.

  • Ask questions if you have concerns.

  • Arrange for someone to take you home if discharged the same day.


9. When to Call the Hospital After Discharge

Seek help if you experience:

  • Fever

  • Severe pain not relieved by medication

  • Persistent vomiting

  • Breathing difficulty

  • Chest pain

  • Bleeding from surgical site


10. Final Note

Your safety and comfort are our priority.  Our surgical and anesthesia teams are committed to providing you the highest standard of care.


 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page