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PATIENT INFORMATION

What happens at the pre-anaesthesia visit?

The exact process varies between hospitals, but the visit usually has five parts.

1. Your medical history

You will be asked about illnesses you have now or have had in the past, previous operations, any problems with anaesthesia, allergies, medicines and supplements, and symptoms that could matter during surgery. Questions about chest pain, breathlessness, fainting, snoring, sleep apnoea, recent infections and exercise capacity are common because they can change perioperative planning.

You may be asked practical questions such as whether you can climb a flight or two of stairs without stopping. This gives a useful picture of how your heart and lungs cope with effort.

2. Examination

Your blood pressure, pulse, oxygen saturation, weight and height may be checked. The anaesthesiologist may examine your heart and lungs and assess your mouth, teeth, jaw and neck to understand how easy or difficult it may be to manage your airway.

3. Tests and reports

Not everyone needs the same tests. The decision depends on your health, medicines, age, symptoms and the type of surgery. A healthy person having a minor procedure may need very little testing. A person with significant medical disease, or someone having major surgery, may need more.

4. Discussion

The anaesthesiologist may explain the anaesthesia options that could be suitable for you, such as general anaesthesia, spinal or epidural anaesthesia, a nerve block or sedation, along with their benefits and risks. This is a good time to ask questions.

5. A plan

The team may give you instructions about fasting and medicines, request additional tests or specialist input, and decide whether any health problem should be treated or stabilised before the procedure.

Questions you may want to ask

  • What type of anaesthesia is likely for my procedure?
  • When should I stop eating and drinking?
  • Which of my medicines should I take, and which should I not take?
  • How will my pain be managed after surgery?
  • Will I go home the same day?

It helps to write your questions down before the visit.