Department of Anesthesia
Pre-Operative Assessment Clinic
Assessing and optimizing your fitness for surgery
The Pre-Operative Assessment Clinic (PAC) Prior to surgery, the anesthetist interviews you to determine the best combination of drugs and dosages as well as the potential degree of monitoring required to ensure a safe and effective procedure. You are required to bring all your previous medical records and investigations at PAC. Truthful and accurate response to the questions asked will ensure that the anesthetist selects the most appropriate anesthesia. You will be required to provide information regarding your age, weight, medical history, current medication, and previous anesthetics received. Depending on the existing medical conditions reported, the anesthetist will review this information with you either during the pre-operative evaluation or on the day of the surgery. If required other medical specialists will also assess you. A repeat evaluation may be advised if your results are found to be outside the normal range. You could discuss any concerns regarding the anesthesia, such as pain relief with the anesthetists.
Why PAC? The purpose of PAC is to enable a Same Day Admission (SDA). This allows you more time at home and reduces your hospital stay and consequent expenses.
Types of Anesthesia General Anesthesia: This is commonly known as 'going to sleep for the operation' and is a state of total unconsciousness induced by anesthetic drugs. You will not feel, see or hear anything during the operation. Regional Anesthesia: A special injection is given near a group of nerves (such as epidural or spinal anesthesia) to numb only that region of your body that requires surgery. Some sedatives may also be administered. Local Anesthesia and Monitored Care: Some minor surgeries require only an injection of a local anesthetic to numb the area of surgery. However, for your safety the anesthetist will monitor you during the procedure.
Make your experience safer by: Informing your anesthetist about the medication/s you are taking. Finding out which medication should be continued or stopped on the day of surgery (eg, medication for diabetes). Asking your anesthetist about the continuation of any traditional medicines (Chinese, Ayurveda) or aspirin (to prevent clotting), a week or two before surgery. Fasting for at least six hours before surgery. You may, however, drink a small amount (half a cup or less) of water up to two hours before surgery. Refraining from smoking a few weeks before surgery. Avoiding alcohol Informing your surgeon or PAC Room if you feel unwell a day or two before the surgery, such as having flu, or flulike symptoms.
Informed Consent You will be asked to sign a Consent Form for surgery and anesthesia. As with any procedure, risks are associated with receiving an anesthetic. Different anesthetic techniques will differ in the relative risks of possible complications. In general, the more common risk/unpleasant sideeffects include: Post-operative nausea and vomiting, sore throat, muscle ache, shivering, giddiness, itching, and inflammation of blood vessels.
The less common, but more serious ones include: Abnormal reaction to drugs, bleeding, blood clots, infection, headache, damage to the teeth, eyes or nervous system (resulting in loss of sensation, of limb function, paralysis, stroke or brain damage), abnormal heart beats, heart attack, worsening of pre-existing medical conditions or even loss of life. Your anesthetist will take all the necessary precautions to reduce the risks of anesthesia to maximize your safety and comfort during the operation. Do discuss your concerns regarding potential risks associated with your anesthesia with your doctor and/or anesthetist.
The Anesthesia Team The role of the team is to: Assess your condition to optimize your fitness for surgery. Administer appropriate anesthesia during surgery. Monitor your vital signs throughout surgery for your safety and comfort. Awaken you at the end of surgery and thereafter monitor your condition till you have recovered from the anesthesia. Provide pain relief, if and when required.
Peri-operative duties of the Anesthetist In the operating theater, your anesthetist will administer anesthesia before surgery begins. Throughout the surgery, the anesthetist will monitor and maintain your vital functions such as heart rate, ECG, blood pressure, and breathing as these may fluctuate during the surgery. Medication to treat pain will be given so that you will remain comfortable during and after surgery. The anesthetist will also decide when and how much fluid and/or blood to replace. If any sudden medical problems arise during surgery, the anesthetist will continue to look after you in the PostAnesthesia Care Unit (PACU).
Post-operative Care You are sent back to the ward only when your vital functions are stable and you have recovered from the anesthesia with good pain control. After a major surgery, you may need special monitoring at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). For day-surgery procedures, a responsible adult will need to accompany you on discharge and take care of you at home.
Location Map
For Appointments Contact Pushpanjali Crosslay Hospital W-3, Sector-1, Vaishali, Ghaziabad-201012, UP, India Tel: +91 120 3133000, 4173000 Extn: 3225, 3222 24X7 Helpline : +91 120-4188000 Email: info@pch.co.in Website: www.pch.co.in