Anesthesia Services
Anesthesia services have been exclusively provided to the Lakeside Surgery Center by CHI Health Clinic Anesthesiology for 15 years. Our anesthesiologists follow the guidelines established by the American Society of Anesthesiologists. Based on medical history and type of surgery, your anesthesiologist and surgeon will collaborate to determine the appropriate type of anesthesia for you. Anesthesia may be provided by a combination of board-certified physicians and certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNA).
Providers
- Virginia Bereisha, MD
- Thomas Jurrens, MD
- Vimmi Kang, DO
- Nick Liebentritt, MD
- Andrew Lund, MD
- Daniel McGrane, MD
- Nathan Pitts, MD
- Ryan Rathjen, MD
What to Expect:
Pain Relief
In addition to pain medications, we offer several nerve blocks for some types of surgery. Most blocks can be performed in the preoperative area under mild sedation and are tolerated very well. Your anesthesia team will discuss a nerve block if one is available for your type of surgery. A nerve block or blocks are available for surgery on your shoulder, arms, hands, legs, knees, ankles. Eligible types of surgery include broken bones, shoulder surgery, tears in tendons. An injection placed under ultrasound guidance can mostly reduce or completely eliminate the pain of surgery for 8 to 24 hours. Many times, no additional pain medicine is needed in the recovery room. Nausea and vomiting risks are also reduced or eliminated. Some surgeries require that we perform a block in order to be able to do the surgery in a same day surgery center (without you having to spend a night in the hospital due to pain).
We can also numb the abdomen for laparoscopic gallbladder surgery, umbilical hernia surgery, inguinal hernia repair, and abdominoplasty (tummy tuck). These blocks are recommended but are not required. For self pay patients, these blocks are an additional cost.
Preoperative Interview
Your anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist will interview you prior to the procedure. This usually takes place on the day of surgery, but for special reasons some interviews will be initiated before the day of surgery. The anesthesiologist will ask questions about your medical history and review any laboratory tests that have been done. You and your anesthesiologist together will then formulate an anesthetic plan. You will discuss anesthetic choices including risks and benefits. The anesthetic plan will be tailored specifically for you by taking into account your general medical condition, the type of surgical procedure and your preferences. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss any concerns that you may have with your anesthesiologist.
In the Operating Room
In the operating room, your anesthesiologist is uniquely qualified and personally responsible for directing your anesthetic. Anesthesiologists are medical specialists who ensure your comfort and make informed medical decisions to protect you. Your physical status is closely monitored. Vital functions such as heart rate and rhythm, blood pressure, temperature and breathing are managed. A member of the anesthesia care team will be with you throughout your procedure.
Recovery After Surgery
You will be taken to the post-anesthetic care unit, often called the recovery room. Your anesthesiologist will direct the monitoring and medications to ensure your safe recovery. Your vital functions will be closely monitored by specially trained nurses. Medications to minimize postoperative pain, nausea and vomiting are given as needed. Nausea and vomiting tend to be less of a problem today because of improved anesthetic agents and techniques although it still may occur. When you are ready, you will be offered something to drink. A family member or friend may be allowed to be with you, and you will be assisted in getting up. Most patients are ready to go home between 1-2 hours after surgery. Oral and written instructions will be given. You will also be given a telephone number to call if you have any concerns when you get home. In general, for the first 24 hours after your anesthesia:
- Do not drink alcohol.
- Do not drive a car or operate dangerous machinery.
- Do not make important decisions.
- You may not be left alone for the first 24 hours after your surgery.
Be prepared to go home and continue your recovery there. Patients may experience drowsiness or minor side effects such as muscle aches, sore throat, headaches and mild nausea. These usually decline rapidly in the hours following surgery. Most patients do not feel up to their usual activities the next day. Plan to take it easy for a few days. The following day you will be contacted to see how you feel and if there are any problems.
May I speak to the anesthesiologist before the surgery?
All patients will be seen by an anesthesia provider prior to entering the operating room. Sufficient time will be spent answering any questions you may have. If you need to speak to an anesthesiologist prior to your surgery, you are welcome to call the surgery center and we will arrange for you to speak to an anesthesiologist.
May I request what type of anesthesia I will receive?
In certain situations, you may be able to request the type of anesthesia you receive. Some operations can be performed using a choice of different anesthetic types. Your anesthesiologist will discuss with you the type of anesthesia you will receive the day of surgery, after reviewing your medical history. Your surgeon and the anesthesiologist collaborate closely to ensure that the most appropriate anesthetic plan is made for you.
Will I receive sedatives before surgery?
You and your anesthesiologist will develop an anesthetic care plan.
What are the risks of anesthesia?
All operations and all anesthetics have risks and they are dependent upon many factors, including the type of surgery, the duration of the surgery, and the medical condition of the patient. Most patients operated on in surgery centers are of the healthier type, and in these circumstances serious complications, while they can occur, are fortunately very rare. Your anesthesia team will discuss the risks of anesthesia with you day of surgery.