Is there anything one can do to prepare for anesthesia before a surgery?
November 11, 2023 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Felix Herrmann
Dear Doctor,
My name is Rolf Bahr and I am about to undergo a surgery where anesthesia will be administered. I am concerned about the procedure and wondering if it is possible to prepare myself for the anesthesia in order to minimize potential complications.
Currently, I do not have any pre-existing conditions or allergies that could be relevant for the anesthesia. My overall health is good, but I am feeling slightly nervous about the surgery and would like to know if there are specific measures I can take to prepare myself for the anesthesia.
For example, I am wondering if it would be advisable to avoid certain medications or foods before the surgery. Are there any specific instructions I should follow prior to the operation in order to reduce potential risks? Are there any recommended behaviors to better tolerate the anesthesia and support recovery after the surgery?
It is important to me that I am well-prepared for the procedure and I would like to know if it is advisable to take certain measures to successfully undergo the anesthesia. I would greatly appreciate your expertise and advice on how to best prepare for the upcoming procedure.
Thank you in advance for your support.
Sincerely,
Rolf Bahr
Dear Mr. Bahr,
Thank you for your inquiry and your trust in my expertise as an anesthesiologist. It is understandable that you are concerned about the upcoming surgery and the anesthesia associated with it. Good preparation can help minimize potential risks and successfully get through the procedure.
First and foremost, I want to emphasize that it is very positive that you do not have any pre-existing conditions or allergies that could be relevant to the anesthesia. A good overall health condition is an important factor for a successful anesthesia. It is also good to hear that you are thinking about how to best prepare for the anesthesia.
Regarding your question about whether it is advisable to abstain from certain medications or foods before the surgery, I can recommend the following: Generally, you should not stop taking medications on your own without consulting your treating physician or anesthesiologist beforehand. It is important that your anesthesiologist is informed about all the medications you are taking to avoid potential interactions.
As for food, it is usually advisable to remain fasting on the day of the surgery, i.e. not eating or drinking anything after midnight before the operation. This is done to minimize the risk of complications during anesthesia. Your anesthesiologist will provide you with specific instructions on how long you should refrain from eating or drinking before the operation.
It can also be helpful to reduce stress and nervousness before the surgery to better tolerate the anesthesia. Relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or breathing exercises can help calm you down and alleviate fears. A positive attitude and trust in the medical team can also help successfully go through the procedure.
After the surgery, it is important to follow the instructions of your treating physician to support your recovery. Take the prescribed medications, rest, and pay attention to a healthy diet to promote the healing process.
I hope this information helps you and gives you more confidence for the upcoming surgery. If you have any further questions or need additional support, I am happy to assist you.
Best wishes for the upcoming procedure and a speedy recovery.
Sincerely,
Felix Herrmann
