Information for Patients Having Surgery with Intravenous Ambulatory Anesthesia

Patients who are scheduled to have elective surgery may have concerns not only about the procedures but also about the anesthesia. Many of these questions are addressed at the time of the consultation appointment. The following information is intended to provide the patient with additional information and to review specific preoperative instructions related to undergoing outpatient surgery with an ambulatory anesthetic. Intravenous sedation and anesthesia are a means of providing an anxiety free and painless surgical experience. By following the instructions below you will assist us in making your overall oral surgical appointment predictably safe and comfortable.

1. Have NOTHING to eat or drink (including water) for six hours prior to surgery.
Having an empty stomach will help to avoid that queasy feeling that sometimes accompany anesthesia. Having something to eat within this six hour time period may require that your surgery be rescheduled.

2. Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing with short sleeves or sleeves that can easily be rolled up above the elbow.
This will keep you more comfortable and allow us access to start an intravenous line for your procedure.

3. You must have a responsible adult to escort you safely home following the treatment.
Anesthetic agents will often make you drowsy for up to 24 hours after your procedure. Therefore, you should not plan on driving until the next day. We prefer that your adult escort accompany you when arriving for your appointment so that we can inform them of when you are likely to be ready for discharge from our office.

4. Do not operate machinery of any kind or drive an automobile until the next day.
5. Do not make important decisions until the next day.
6. Do not use alcoholic beverages for 24 hours or smoke for three days following surgery.
7. Occasionally patients receiving intravenous sedation/anesthesia medications experience post operative discomfort or redness in their hand or arm.
This occurs because the vein becomes inflamed following the intravenous infusion (this is called phlebitis). This is not common; however, if this condition should arise please contact one of our offices so that we
can recommend the appropriate care.

Should you have any questions or concerns regarding these instructions, please call our office before your appointment.