General Concerns About Anesthesia

If you have to undergo surgery you will need to be administered some type of anesthesia. There are always risks when you have to undergo surgery and anesthesia, so you should try to learn what can cause any type of complications. Particularly in older patients who might have some type of pre existing medical condition.  Usually your Doctor, Nurse Anesthetist or Anesthesiologist will interview you to determine if you are susceptible to any risks. If you have experienced problems with anesthesia before you should, of course, let your doctor know. If you haven’t you should educate yourself on some simple and general facts about anesthesia. We have listed quite a few questions that you might be asked to determine if you might be at risk for anesthesia, but note that these may vary at different facilities.

1. Have you recently had a cold or the flu?

If you have a cold this can cause breathing complications i.e. the anesthesia administered can cause your cold or flu to get worse.

2. Are you allergic to latex (rubber) products?

An allergic reaction can lead to cardiac arrest.

3. Have you experienced chest pain or have a heart condition?

Anesthesia affects the cardiovascular system, therefore any chest pain or heart condition is important for us to know.

4. Do you have hypertension (high blood pressure)?

The type of anesthetics to be administered for your surgical procedure is based on your hypertensive status.

5. Do you experience shortness of breath?

Anesthesia can affect your respiratory system.

6. Do you have asthma, bronchitis, or any other breathing problem?

These are respiratory infections which can become worse from the anesthesia.

7. Do you (or did you) ever smoke?

Packs/day: _____ Number of years: _____ Date you quit: _____
Smoking decreases the function of the heart and lung. We recommend that you quit smoking at least 8 weeks prior to getting anesthesia.

8. Do you consume alcohol? If so, number of drinks/week: _____

Chronic use of alcohol affects the heart and nerves, which will determine the type of anesthetics to be administered.

9. Do you take aspirin or anticoagulant drugs like Warfarin/coumadin?

If so, you will be required to discontinue these medications 1-2 weeks prior to your surgery. During general anesthesia they can cause excessive bleeding.

10. Do you take or have you taken recreational drugs?

Recreational drugs can cause an irregular heartbeat, respiratory distress and mental impairment.

11. Do you take herbal supplements, or alternative medicines? How recently?

These over the counter medications can either increase or decrease the effect of the anesthetic administered.

12. Men, do you take or have you taken Viagra, Cialis, or other erectile dysfunction medicines?

Most of these drugs cause a decrease in your blood pressure which will be further decreased when the anesthetic is administered.

13. Have you taken cortisone (steroids) in the last six months?

Steroids decrease your natural immune response. This is then further decreased by the anesthetic so additional medications have to be administered to enhance your immune response.

14. Do you have or have you had kidney disease?

The kidney is the main excretory organ and many of the anesthetics given are excreted by the kidneys. Therefore, if there is underlying kidney disease the anesthetics used have to be considered.

15. Do you have diabetes?

Diabetes affects many of the major organs including the cardiovascular system and the kidneys.

16. Have you had hepatitis, jaundice or liver disease?

The liver is the main organ in the body for metabolisms (changes). If there is underlying damage to the liver the anesthetics used have to be considered.

17. Do you have a thyroid condition?

The thyroid affects the physiological and metabolic changes in the body.

18. Do you have ulcers or other stomach disorders?

This condition will determine the placement of the naso-gastric or feeding tube used during the surgical procedure.

19. Do you have a hiatal hernia?

Hiatal hernia is a protrusion of the stomach. It poses a risk for contents moving from the stomach to the lungs during the surgical procedure.

20. Do you have back or neck pain?

This is important in the positioning and transportation of the patient to prevent further damage to the spine.

21. Do you have numbness, weakness, or paralysis of your extremities?

This indicates some underlying neurological problem which will determine positioning and anesthetics to be used.

22. Do you or any of your family have sickle cell trait?

This condition affects the cardiovascular system and will determine the anesthetics to be used.

23. Have you or any blood relatives had difficulties with anesthesia?

This is important for us to know because it will determine the type of anesthesia to be used for your surgical procedure.

24. Do you have bleeding problems?

Bleeding signifies a problem with how fast your blood clots in a timely manner. This condition affects the cardiovascular system and will determine the anesthetics to be used.

25. Have you ever received a blood transfusion?

This is important for your safety in case you have had previous blood transfusion reactions.

26. Do you have loose, chipped, false teeth, or bridgework?

We need to know this to protect your airway. During general anesthesia a tube will be placed in your mouth to your trachea ( windpipe) to assist with your breathing. Dentures/ removable bridge have to be removed prior to your procedure.

27. Do you have any oral piercings, (such as studs or rings) in your tongue or lip?

Oral piercings are usually metals which will interfere with the electrical instruments used in the surgical procedure. End result is the possibility of tissue burns or a fire.

28. Do you wear contact lenses?

You will be required to remove your contact lenses because the anesthetics can result in the contact lenses sticking to your cornea and injuring your eye.

29. Women, are you pregnant? Due date: _____

Important for the safety of your unborn fetus because some anesthetic drugs can cross the placenta and affect the wellbeing of the fetus.