SECTION 01
Give a complete and current health history
Disclose heart, lung, kidney, liver, neurological and endocrine conditions; sleep apnea; reflux; pregnancy possibility; recent infection; allergies; dental or airway concerns; smoking, nicotine and alcohol use; and every previous anesthesia experience. Mention a family history of serious anesthesia reactions.
Bring a complete list of prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, injections, vitamins, herbs and supplements. Do not omit a medicine because it seems unrelated to surgery.
SECTION 02
The plan depends on procedure and patient
The anesthesia professional considers the expected operation, position, duration, blood loss, airway needs, recovery support and facility resources. Local anesthesia, sedation and general anesthesia have different uses and risks; the procedure name alone does not decide the method.
Ask who will provide anesthesia, how monitoring works, where recovery occurs and how nausea, pain or unexpected events would be managed. Confirm that the facility is appropriate for the planned level of care.
- Request an interpreter for the anesthesia and consent discussion when needed.
- Ask how a change in surgical scope would affect the anesthesia plan.
- Know who makes the final decision to proceed or postpone.
SECTION 03
Follow only individualized medicine and fasting instructions
Some medicines may need a change while others should continue. Fasting rules also vary with timing, intake and clinical circumstances. Obtain written instructions directly from the treating team and ask what to do if a dose or fasting rule is missed.
Do not stop anticoagulants, diabetes medicines, weight-management medicines or other prescribed treatment on your own. Contact the team if instructions are unclear or your health changes before surgery.
SECTION 04
Observation and emergency planning continue afterward
For a local-anesthesia procedure, same-day departure after observation may be possible if the clinical team clears it. When general anesthesia is used, the group's typical pathway may include about two inpatient days if clinically appropriate, but the team decides the actual care setting and discharge time.
After discharge, severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, collapse, confusion, a serious allergic reaction or inability to stay awake requires local emergency care. Do not wait for remote advice in an emergency.