Information for Patients
Anesthesia plays a fundamental role in all surgeries. Here, in this space, we warmly invite you to read and learn about anesthesia. Discover the different types available, the associated risks and benefits, and what to expect before, during, and after this process.
Are you concerned about anesthesia?
Frequently Asked Questions
Below, we answer some common questions you might have.
Can I choose the
type of anesthesia?
Yes, with some limitations.
Some procedures can be performed with different types of anesthesia, but in others, there is no option to choose.
Your anesthesiologist, after reviewing your specific case, will explain the available options, the advantages and disadvantages of each, and recommend the most appropriate technique for you.
How and when will
I wake up?
The time it takes to regain consciousness after anesthesia primarily depends on the duration of the procedure and the type of anesthetic agents used.
Both factors can vary based on the type of surgery performed. Additionally, individual differences in sensitivity to anesthetic medications mean that the time to wake up can range from a few minutes to several hours.
What are
the risks?
All surgeries and all types of anesthesia carry some degree of risk, which varies significantly depending primarily on the type of surgery and the patient’s pre-existing physical condition. However, serious complications and even death are extremely rare.
Be sure to ask your anesthesiologist about the specific complications that may be associated with your procedure.
Can I choose the type of anesthesia?
Yes, with some limitations.
Some procedures can be performed with different types of anesthesia, but in others, there is no option to choose.
Your anesthesiologist, after reviewing your specific case, will explain the available options, the advantages and disadvantages of each, and recommend the most appropriate technique for you.
How and when will
I wake up?
The time it takes to regain consciousness after anesthesia primarily depends on the duration of the procedure and the type of anesthetic agents used.
Both factors can vary based on the type of surgery performed. Additionally, individual differences in sensitivity to anesthetic medications mean that the time to wake up can range from a few minutes to several hours.
What are
the risks?
All surgeries and all types of anesthesia carry some degree of risk, which varies significantly depending primarily on the type of surgery and the patient’s pre-existing physical condition. However, serious complications and even death are extremely rare.
Be sure to ask your anesthesiologist about the specific complications that may be associated with your procedure.
Many patients are admitted on the same day as their surgery, even for highly complex procedures. However, factors such as your medical condition, personal circumstances, the institution’s policies, and the preferences of the treating medical team will ultimately determine how long before the surgery you need to be admitted.
Once you are unconscious, the anesthesiologist begins the most delicate part of their job: monitoring your vital signs and managing any physical changes that occur during the surgery. Using their knowledge and experience, along with sophisticated electronic monitoring systems, they administer medications—some to maintain your unconscious state for the duration of the surgery, and others to regulate vital organ functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, kidney, and brain function. In this way, the anesthesiologist addresses any medical issues that may arise during the procedure. Once the surgery is completed, the anesthetic medication is withdrawn, and its effects are reversed. During the recovery or waking phase, the anesthesiologist will also initiate treatment to manage pain and post-operative discomfort.
Allergic reactions to anesthesia are very rare in the vast majority of cases performed daily worldwide. While they do exist, it’s uncommon for tests to be required to detect them. Additionally, anesthesiologists always test the reaction of each drug on your body by administering low doses initially and observing your response. If you have a history of allergic reactions, it is important to inform your anesthesiologist.
Anesthesia affects your normal reflexes, meaning some of your body’s defenses will no longer function. This is why it’s necessary for your stomach to be empty (no food or drink) to prevent any food particles from coming back up into your mouth and entering your airways. Your anesthesiologist will tell you how long you need to fast and what you can take—for example, some medications with a sip of water. For your own safety, it’s crucial to follow these instructions carefully, as not doing so may result in the need to postpone the procedure.
Yes, as long as your menstruation is normal. If it is not, consult your primary care physician; they will determine if a consultation with a gynecologist is necessary.
Yes. There are conditions that can only be treated with surgery and cannot wait for the entire pregnancy. If surgery is necessary, your anesthesiologist will decide which anesthetic technique to use and which drugs to avoid, always prioritizing your health and the health of your baby.
Many patients are admitted on the same day as their surgery, even for highly complex procedures. However, factors such as your medical condition, personal circumstances, the institution’s policies, and the preferences of the treating medical team will ultimately determine how long before the surgery you need to be admitted.
Once you are unconscious, the anesthesiologist begins the most delicate part of their job: monitoring your vital signs and managing any physical changes that occur during the surgery. Using their knowledge and experience, along with sophisticated electronic monitoring systems, they administer medications—some to maintain your unconscious state for the duration of the surgery, and others to regulate vital organ functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, kidney, and brain function. In this way, the anesthesiologist addresses any medical issues that may arise during the procedure. Once the surgery is completed, the anesthetic medication is withdrawn, and its effects are reversed. During the recovery or waking phase, the anesthesiologist will also initiate treatment to manage pain and post-operative discomfort.
Allergic reactions to anesthesia are very rare in the vast majority of cases performed daily worldwide. While they do exist, it’s uncommon for tests to be required to detect them. Additionally, anesthesiologists always test the reaction of each drug on your body by administering low doses initially and observing your response. If you have a history of allergic reactions, it is important to inform your anesthesiologist.
Anesthesia affects your normal reflexes, meaning some of your body’s defenses will no longer function. This is why it’s necessary for your stomach to be empty (no food or drink) to prevent any food particles from coming back up into your mouth and entering your airways. Your anesthesiologist will tell you how long you need to fast and what you can take—for example, some medications with a sip of water. For your own safety, it’s crucial to follow these instructions carefully, as not doing so may result in the need to postpone the procedure.
Yes, as long as your menstruation is normal. If it is not, consult your primary care physician; they will determine if a consultation with a gynecologist is necessary.
Yes. There are conditions that can only be treated with surgery and cannot wait for the entire pregnancy. If surgery is necessary, your anesthesiologist will decide which anesthetic technique to use and which drugs to avoid, always prioritizing your health and the health of your baby.
It’s important to have a written list of all the medications (even aspirin) that you take, including the days and times you take them. Your treating physician, surgeon, or anesthesiologist will tell you which medications to continue and which, if necessary, you should stop taking before the procedure.
The consumption of alcohol and tobacco impacts your body as much, if not more, than any medication you take. Their effects on your liver, heart, and lungs can cause anesthetic medications to affect you differently. This also applies—and even more so—to other drugs such as heroin, cocaine, amphetamines, etc. It’s understandable that some people may hesitate to discuss these issues, but they must be aware that it endangers their own safety. Your anesthesiologist will use this information only to ensure your well-being.
Pre-anesthetic medication is used to reduce anxiety, and not all patients need it. If administered, it may begin the day before or on the same day of the surgery, once the patient enters the operating room.
Once all the monitors are in place, the anesthesiologist will position themselves at the head of the operating table, where they can monitor everything and attend to you. Most of the time, they will place a mask over your mouth and nose and ask you to breathe calmly. You will be breathing oxygen.
Before the anesthesia begins, you may feel sleepy, sedated, dizzy, or warm. This is due to the pre-anesthetic medication that your anesthesiologist will administer to help you feel more comfortable and relaxed. It’s important to communicate any discomfort you experience. Afterward, your anesthesiologist will “put you to sleep.” This stage is called anesthetic induction, where you transition from being awake to asleep. It’s a quick and painless process.
The two most common ways to induce general anesthesia are through intravenous injection (administered via the IV line already in place) or by inhaling anesthetic gases through the mask. The choice of technique depends on several factors, and your anesthesiologist will explain which method is best for your case.
Waking up can occur in different locations. The most common place is in the operating room itself—under the care of your anesthesiologist—or in a special monitoring area called the Recovery Room, where you’ll be attended by a specialized nursing team under the supervision of another anesthesiologist. There are also other areas, such as the intensive care unit or coronary unit, depending on your situation. The important thing to know is that no matter where you wake up, the area will be properly monitored and equipped to ensure a safe and smooth recovery from anesthesia.
The postoperative period begins in the operating room, so the anesthesiologist’s first role in the postoperative phase is to ensure a safe, smooth, and comfortable transition from the intraoperative to the postoperative phase. This entire transition, and sometimes the patient’s care in the areas mentioned earlier, will be overseen by the anesthesiologist.
If you are going to have surgery, carefully read and consider what has been explained so that during the pre-anesthetic consultation with your anesthesiologist, you can discuss any concerns and clarify any doubts you may have. Don’t hesitate to ask questions; it’s important to enter the operating room as confident and calm as possible.
It’s important to have a written list of all the medications (even aspirin) that you take, including the days and times you take them. Your treating physician, surgeon, or anesthesiologist will tell you which medications to continue and which, if necessary, you should stop taking before the procedure.
The consumption of alcohol and tobacco impacts your body as much, if not more, than any medication you take. Their effects on your liver, heart, and lungs can cause anesthetic medications to affect you differently. This also applies—and even more so—to other drugs such as heroin, cocaine, amphetamines, etc. It’s understandable that some people may hesitate to discuss these issues, but they must be aware that it endangers their own safety. Your anesthesiologist will use this information only to ensure your well-being.
Pre-anesthetic medication is used to reduce anxiety, and not all patients need it. If administered, it may begin the day before or on the same day of the surgery, once the patient enters the operating room.
Once all the monitors are in place, the anesthesiologist will position themselves at the head of the operating table, where they can monitor everything and attend to you. Most of the time, they will place a mask over your mouth and nose and ask you to breathe calmly. You will be breathing oxygen.
Before the anesthesia begins, you may feel sleepy, sedated, dizzy, or warm. This is due to the pre-anesthetic medication that your anesthesiologist will administer to help you feel more comfortable and relaxed. It’s important to communicate any discomfort you experience. Afterward, your anesthesiologist will “put you to sleep.” This stage is called anesthetic induction, where you transition from being awake to asleep. It’s a quick and painless process.
The two most common ways to induce general anesthesia are through intravenous injection (administered via the IV line already in place) or by inhaling anesthetic gases through the mask. The choice of technique depends on several factors, and your anesthesiologist will explain which method is best for your case.
Waking up can occur in different locations. The most common place is in the operating room itself—under the care of your anesthesiologist—or in a special monitoring area called the Recovery Room, where you’ll be attended by a specialized nursing team under the supervision of another anesthesiologist. There are also other areas, such as the intensive care unit or coronary unit, depending on your situation. The important thing to know is that no matter where you wake up, the area will be properly monitored and equipped to ensure a safe and smooth recovery from anesthesia.
The postoperative period begins in the operating room, so the anesthesiologist’s first role in the postoperative phase is to ensure a safe, smooth, and comfortable transition from the intraoperative to the postoperative phase. This entire transition, and sometimes the patient’s care in the areas mentioned earlier, will be overseen by the anesthesiologist.
If you are going to have surgery, carefully read and consider what has been explained so that during the pre-anesthetic consultation with your anesthesiologist, you can discuss any concerns and clarify any doubts you may have. Don’t hesitate to ask questions; it’s important to enter the operating room as confident and calm as possible.
For questions and/or inquiries
