Anesthesia

Frequently Asked Questions

Planning for anesthesia:	What do I need to know about anesthesia? Who will be caring for me when I receive anesthesia? What factors affect the choice of anesthesia?
Types of anesthesia:	What are the major types of anesthesia? What kinds of medicines are used for anesthesia?
Risks and possible problems:	What are the potential risks or complications of anesthetic medicines? What medical conditions may increase my risk of complications during anesthesia?
Preparing for anesthesia:	How do I prepare for anesthesia? Do I need to fast before my procedure? How can I reduce anxiety before my procedure?
What happens during anesthesia:	What happens while I am being given anesthesia?
Recovering from anesthesia:	How long will it take for me to recover from anesthesia? Are there any side effects after anesthesia?

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Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS	Last Updated: February 4, 2008
Medical Review:	E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine John M. Freedman, MD - Anesthesiology
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