For some procedures and for patients with complex medical histories, your surgeon may arrange for a consultation with one of our anesthesiologists several days prior to your operation. If you feel that this is needed, speak to your surgeon to initiate such a consultation. These consultations take place in the preoperative testing areas at either Medical Center of the Rockies or Poudre Valley Hospital or may involve a phone call the night prior to surgery. For many surgical procedures you will meet with your anesthesiologist and others from the anesthesia care team on the day of your procedure. Your medical history and the anesthetic plan will be discussed and all of your questions will be answered at that time.

Descriptions of each type of anesthesia that may be utilized are discussed on the Surgical Anesthesia Services page under patient information.

Most patients should have nothing to eat or drink after midnight on the evening prior to surgery. Stay well hydrated the few days before and follow the pre-op instructions given to you by the surgery center.

Avoid smoking or chewing tobacco 12 hours prior to surgery.

Some previously prescribed medications may be taken with a minimal amount of water on the day of your surgery. Others need to be avoided. You will be instructed on this during your pre-op visit. It’s prudent to avoid the following herbs during the weeks prior to surgery: Garlic, Ginko, Ginseng, Vitamin E, Fish Oil, Alfalfa, Chamomile, Kava & Licorice. The risks and benefits of taking certain prescribed and over the counter medications before surgery are extremely important issues which must be discussed with the prescribing physician, your surgeon and the anesthesia care team.

If you are ill with fever, chest cold, vomiting or diarrhea prior to surgery please contact your surgeon’s office to discuss the possibility of postponing your procedure.

The most common and unwanted side effect is postoperative nausea. Fortunately, the medications and techniques used in anesthesia today have reduced the incidence of this. Other common complaints after anesthesia include generalized muscle aches, soreness where needles or catheters were inserted, sore throat and drowsiness. Allergic reactions to medications used for anesthesia are typically very mild and are diagnosed and treated very quickly. If you experience any worrisome symptoms after getting home contact your surgeon’s office and they will determine the course of action to take.

If you plan on going home following your procedure, you must have a responsible adult drive you, and stay with you for the entire evening. You must not drive or operate heavy machinery for 24 hours following anesthesia. Follow the post-op instructions given to you by your surgeon.

You will receive a bill from Northern Colorado Anesthesia Professional Consultants, LLP on behalf of the Anesthesiologist and/or CRNA that took care of you. The surgery center where you received care will include the charges for your anesthesia drugs and supplies. If you have questions about your bill or insurance claim, contact our billing office at 970-484-0722.