Department ofAnesthesia

Assessing and optimizing your fitness for surgery

Pre-Operative

Assessment Clinic

The Pre-Operative Assessment Clinic (PAC)

Prior to surgery, the anesthetist interviews you to

determine the best combination of drugs and dosages as

well as the potential degree of monitoring required to

ensure a safe and effective procedure.

You are required to bring all your previous medical

records and investigations at PAC.

Truthful and accurate response to the questions asked will

ensure that the anesthetist selects the most appropriate

anesthesia.

You will be required to provide information regarding

your age, weight, medical history, current medication,

and previous anesthetics received.

Depending on the existing medical conditions reported,

the anesthetist will review this information with you either

during the pre-operative evaluation or on the day of the

surgery.

If required other medical specialists will also assess you.

A repeat evaluation may be advised if your results are

found to be outside the normal range.

You could discuss any concerns regarding the anesthesia,

such as pain relief with the anesthetists.

Why PAC?

The purpose of PAC is to enable a Same Day

Admission (SDA). This allows you more time at

home and reduces your hospital stay and

consequent expenses.

Types of Anesthesia

This is commonly known as 'going to

sleep for the operation' and is a state of total

unconsciousness induced by anesthetic drugs. You will not

feel, see or hear anything during the operation.

A special injection is given near a

group of nerves (such as epidural or spinal anesthesia) to

numb only that region of your body that requires surgery.

Some sedatives may also be administered.

Some minor

surgeries require only an injection of a local anesthetic to

numb the area of surgery. However, for your safety the

anesthetist will monitor you during the procedure.

Make your experience safer by:

Informing your anesthetist about the medication/s you are taking.

Finding out which medication should be continued or stopped on the day of surgery (eg, medication for diabetes).

Asking your anesthetist about the continuation of any traditional medicines (Chinese, Ayurveda) or aspirin (to prevent clotting), a week or two before surgery.

Fasting for at least six hours before surgery. You may, however, drink a small amount (half a cup or less) of water up to two hours before surgery.

Refraining from smoking a few weeks before surgery.

Avoiding alcohol

Informing your surgeon or PAC Room if you feel unwell a day or two before the surgery, such as having flu, or flu-like symptoms.

General Anesthesia:

Regional Anesthesia:

Local Anesthesia and Monitored Care:

Informed Consent

You will be asked to sign a Consent Form for surgery and anesthesia.

As with any procedure, risks are associated with receiving an anesthetic. Different anesthetic techniques will differ in the relative risks of possible complications.

In general, the more common risk/unpleasant side-effects include:

Post-operative nausea and vomiting, sore throat, muscle ache, shivering, giddiness, itching, and inflammation of blood vessels.

The less common, but more serious ones include:

Abnormal reaction to drugs, bleeding, blood clots, infection, headache, damage to the teeth, eyes or nervous system (resulting in loss of sensation, of limb function, paralysis, stroke or brain damage), abnormal heart beats, heart attack, worsening of pre-existing medical conditions or even loss of life.

Your anesthetist will take all the necessary precautions to reduce the risks of anesthesia to maximize your safety and comfort during the operation. Do discuss your concerns regarding potential risks associated with your anesthesia with your doctor and/or anesthetist.

The Anesthesia Team

The role of the team is to:

Assess your condition to optimize your fitness for surgery.

Administer appropriate anesthesia during surgery.

Monitor your vital signs throughout surgery for your safety and comfort.

Awaken you at the end of surgery and thereafter monitor your condition till you have recovered from the anesthesia.

Provide pain relief, if and when required.

Peri-operative duties of the Anesthetist

In the operating theater, your anesthetist will administer anesthesia before surgery begins.

Throughout the surgery, the anesthetist will monitor and maintain your vital functions such as heart rate, ECG, blood pressure, and breathing as these may fluctuate during the surgery.

Medication to treat pain will be given so that you will remain comfortable during and after surgery. The anesthetist will also decide when and how much fluid and/or blood to replace.

If any sudden medical problems arise during surgery, the anesthetist will continue to look after you in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU).

Post-operative Care You are sent back to the ward only when your vital functions are stable and you have recovered from the anesthesia with good pain control.

After a major surgery, you may need special monitoring at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

For day-surgery procedures, a responsible adult will need to accompany you on discharge and take care of you at home.

Pushpanjali Crosslay HospitalW-3, Sector-1, Vaishali, Ghaziabad-201012, UP, India

Tel: 3133000,

24X7 Helpline : +91 120-4188000

info@pch.co.in www.pch.co.in

+91 120 4173000 Extn: 3225, 3222

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