For Patients
You have questions. That's exactly right.
Anesthesia is the part of surgery patients think about most and understand least. Here is what will actually happen — and the answers we give our own families.
Types of anesthesia
Four ways we keep you comfortable.
General anesthesia
You are fully asleep with no awareness. Modern agents are short-acting and safer than ever; most patients wake within minutes of the procedure ending. The most common side effect — nausea — is now uncommon with preventive medication.
Regional anesthesia (nerve blocks)
A precise injection near a cluster of nerves numbs only the part of your body having surgery, guided by ultrasound. You can be sedated or fully asleep during the procedure — and you wake with the surgical area still comfortable, often for many hours.
MAC sedation
Medication through an IV keeps you relaxed or lightly asleep while you breathe on your own, with an anesthesiologist monitoring you continuously. Common for endoscopy, fertility procedures, and many office-based surgeries. Wake-up is fast and clear-headed.
Local anesthesia
Numbing medication only at the surgical site, for minor procedures — sometimes with light sedation for comfort.
What to expect
Your procedure, step by step.
- 01
Before your procedure
We review your health history in advance. Follow your fasting instructions exactly — they are about your safety. Take only the medications you were told to take.
- 02
The day of surgery
You meet your anesthesiologist in pre-op. We answer every question before anything begins, place monitors, and stay with you through the entire procedure.
- 03
Waking up & recovery
You wake in the recovery room with nurses and your anesthesiologist nearby. If you had a nerve block, the surgical area stays comfortable — stay ahead of pain as it wears off, as instructed.
- 04
At home
No driving, alcohol, or major decisions for 24 hours after sedation or general anesthesia. You receive clear written instructions, and your care team is a phone call away.
Common questions
Answers before you have to ask.
Will I meet my anesthesiologist before my procedure?
Yes. Your anesthesiologist reviews your history before your procedure day and meets you in pre-op to answer questions and confirm the anesthesia plan before anything begins.
What is MAC sedation?
Monitored Anesthesia Care (MAC) is sedation given through an IV while an anesthesiologist continuously monitors your breathing, heart rate, and comfort. You are typically asleep but breathing on your own, and you wake quickly with minimal grogginess.
Do nerve blocks hurt?
No more than a routine injection. We numb the skin first and use ultrasound guidance to place the block precisely. Most patients describe pressure rather than pain, and the block keeps the surgical area numb for hours afterward.
How long will a nerve block last?
Most blocks provide 8 to 24 hours of pain relief depending on the medication and site. Your anesthesiologist will tell you what to expect and how to stay ahead of discomfort as the block wears off.
Will I be nauseated after anesthesia?
We use modern, shorter-acting agents and preventive anti-nausea medication. Nausea is far less common than it used to be, and nerve blocks reduce it further by cutting the need for opioid pain medication.
When can I eat, drink, or drive after my procedure?
You will get specific instructions, but as a rule: start with light food and clear liquids the same day, and do not drive, work, or make important decisions for 24 hours after sedation or general anesthesia.
Will I get a separate bill for anesthesia?
Yes. Anesthesia is billed separately from the surgery center and the surgeon. See our Billing & Insurance page for how anesthesia billing works and who to contact with questions.
Patient experiences
In their words.
-
“…it was the best experience I've had with any surgery.”
Todd Smith · Surgical Patient -
“I'd been dreading going under, but the anesthesiologist walked me through every step beforehand. It was the most relaxed I've ever felt heading into surgery.”
Anonymous · Orthopedic surgery patient -
“Recovery from my last procedure was rough — hours of grogginess and nausea. This time I woke up clear-headed and comfortable. Easily the smoothest experience I've had.”
Anonymous · Plastic surgery patient
Patient forms
Documents & downloads
Questions about your anesthesia bill? See Billing & Insurance, or call 510-225-9090 ext. 1.