Post-Operative Instructions: After Anesthesia

Sedation and anesthesia are designed to enable you to undergo surgery in a more comfortable and relaxed way. In order for us to treat you safely, you must follow some very important guidelines.

Bring an escort with you to the office. It is essential for us to have a friend or family member to communicate with during treatment and to take you safely home. Therefore, an escort must arrive with you prior to treatment and must stay in the reception area during your procedure.

You must not have anything to eat or drink 6 hours prior to your procedure. Mints and chewing gum are also not allowed.

You may take your daily medicines as directed by your doctor as scheduled with a small sip of water.

No driving for 24 hours following surgery; therefore, arrangements should be made for you and your family’s transportation during this time.

In addition:

• You should defer any responsible decisions or complicated tasks for 24 hours after surgery, as the medicines we use to sedate you could alter your capacity to make decisions.
• You should avoid strenuous activity for 24-72 hours.
• If you are pregnant or think you may have become pregnant since your consultation appointment, please alert the nurse.
• Consider leaving children at home the day of your procedure. Your escort is here to attend to your needs and may be distracted by caring for children as well.