Frequently Asked Questions
Anaesthesia is an essential element of modern medicine without which most of what we do in hospitals would not be possible.
Most people know only a little bit about anaesthesia until they need it! I’ve answered some of the usual questions below for you.
Let me know if there is anything else I can add to the list!
General Questions
How do anaesthetics work?
I am terrified of waking up during the anaesthetic, can you reassure me that I won't ?
I completely understand your fear, but please rest assured that waking up during anaesthesia is an extremely rare occurrence. As highly trained professionals, we take every precaution to prevent this from happening.
Waking up during anaesthesia, known as “anaesthesia awareness”, affects only about 1 in 2000 patients, and it’s important to note that the vast majority of these cases are limited to patients hearing voices or seeing lights, rather than being fully awake. We have sophisticated monitoring equipment to quickly detect any changes in your level of consciousness, and we can adjust the anaesthetic immediately to ensure that you remain comfortable and pain free. As anaesthetists, we always use a combination of medications to keep you
asleep and pain free, so even if one medication is not working properly, there are others to fall back on. Your safety and comfort are our top priority, and we take every step necessary to ensure that your procedure is as smooth and stress free as possible.
I am terrified of getting post operative nausea and vomiting. Will I be sick after?
Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a common side effect of anaesthesia, affecting up to 30% of patients. However, there are many strategies that we can use to minimize the likelihood of this happening. For
example, we can give medications before and after the procedure to prevent PONV, such as anti-nausea drugs or steroids. We can also give medications during the procedure that are less likely to cause PONV. In addition, it is important to stay well hydrated before and after the procedure, as dehydration can increase the risk of PONV. Finally, having an empty stomach before the procedure is important because it reduces the risk of aspirating stomach contents during the procedure, which can lead to PONV and other complications. If you are concerned about PONV, please let your anaesthetist know, as we have many options available to help reduce the likelihood of this happening.
Will I be unconscious or awake for my procedure?
Whether you are unconscious or awake during the procedure will depend on the type of anaesthesia you receive and the procedure you are having. Your anaesthetist will discuss the options with you beforehand and make a recommendation based on your individual needs.
Why do I need to fast before the anaesthetic?
Fasting before an anaesthetic is important for your safety during the procedure. Your body’s ability to protect your airway and lung s is reduced under anaesthesia, so having food or drink in your stomach can increase the risk of regurgitation and aspiration. Aspiration is when the contents of your stomach, such as stomach acid or food, enter your lungs. This can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia. Your anaesthetist will provide you with specific fasting instructions based on your individual medical history and
the type of anaesthetic you are having. It is important to follow these instructions carefully to minimize the risk of complications during the procedure. If you have any concerns or questions about fasting, please do not
hesitate to discuss them with your anaesthetist.
How long will it take me to recover from the anaesthetic?
Recovery time can vary depending on the type of anaesthetic you receive and the length of the procedure. Generally, you can expect to feel drowsy and disoriented for a few hours after the procedure, and it may take a day or two for the effects of the anaesthetic to wear off completely.
Can I take all my usual medications before my operation?
You should inform your anaesthetist about any medications you a re taking, including over the counter medications and supplements, before the procedure. They will advise you on which medications you can continue to take and which you should stop taking before the procedure.
When can I drive again after my anaesthetic?
It is not safe to drive after having an anaesthetic, as the effects of the drugs can impair your ability to operate a vehicle. You should arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you for a few hours after the procedure to ensure that you are fully recovered.
Can I eat or drink before the procedure, and if so, how long before?
In most cases, you will be asked to refrain from eating or drinking anything for several hours before the procedure. Your anaesthetist will provide you with specific instructions on when to stop eating and drinking, as well as any exceptions to the rule.
Fees
I understand that medical fees can be expensive, even with private health insurance. I also appreciate that most people find the fees for private medical care quite confusing. When you need a procedure in a private hospital, there are multiple components to the cost. You will be charged a fee by the hospital, a fee by the surgeon, a fee by the anaesthetist and possibly fees for radiology and pathology.
Anaesthetist fees depends on various factors, including the type of surgery, procedure duration, and other factors such as after-hours emergency services, monitoring devices used, the patient’s illness severity, and age. The cost of your services also reflects the level of training, expertise and experience required to provide safe and effective anaesthesia.
For each procedure, your health fund will pay a certain amount (No Gap Fee). Unfortunately, the health funds have not increased this amount in line with inflation. The Australian Medical Association suggests fees for each procedure, that take into account inflation. My fees are typically below the suggested range published by the Australian Medical Association and are within the normal range of fees charged by anaesthetists across Australia.
Because the health funds have not significantly increased the amount they pay for each procedure, there is often a gap between the health fund rebate and the total fee for the procedure (Gap). I understand that it can be frustrating to receive a gap charge, especially after paying high premiums for health insurance. An accurate estimate will be provided by phone 1-2 days before the surgery to give patients an idea of their out-of-pocket expenses.
I can promise that I will give you the best possible care while I am your anaesthetist. I will keep you safe while you sleep.
Anaesthetists keep you safe while you sleep
specializing in anesthesia care, pain management, and critical care