Pre-Operative Instructions: Before Intravenous Anesthesia

To ensure that your experience on the day of surgery is as seamless and pleasant as possible. Intravenous anesthesia is a technique of administering medications through a vein to help you relax, reduce discomfort, and go to sleep. Going to sleep is typically a more comfortable patient experience.

It is extremely important that you follow these instructions exactly. Failure to do so could cause life threatening complications and your appointment will be rescheduled. If you have any concerns or questions regarding these instructions, or if our team can be of further assistance, please contact our office.

• You may not have anything to eat or drink for 8 hours before surgery.
• All routine medications may be taken on their normal schedule unless you have been instructed to temporarily stop them. If routine medications need to be taken during the fasting period, please take them with small sips of water. Do not stop a routine medication unless advised by your doctor or surgeon.
• Wear loose-fitting clothing with sleeves that can be rolled up past the elbow and low-heeled shoes.
• Do not wear lipstick, excessive makeup, or nail polish on the day of surgery.
• Contact lenses, jewelry, and dentures must be removed at the time of surgery.
• It is advisable to use the restroom 30 minutes before the appointment.
• A responsible adult must accompany the patient to our office, remain in the office during the procedure, and drive the patient home following surgery.
• Plan to rest for the remainder of the day. The patient should not drive a vehicle or operate any machinery for 24 hours following IV anesthesia.
• The use of alcohol or recreational drugs can have an adverse effect on the anesthesia medications that we use. Please refrain from the use of these substances for 72 hours prior to and the day of your procedure.
• If you have an illness, such as a cold, sore throat, stomach or bowel upset, please notify the office before your appointment.
• Female patients: please note that some antibiotics may interfere with the effectiveness of birth control pills. Patients are encouraged to review this point further with their pharmacist. If you are pregnant, you cannot have IV anesthesia. If you think you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, have a pregnancy test done prior to surgery.