Anesthetics suspend your body’s normal reflexes so that its automatic defenses may not be working. An important automatic defense that is affected is the protection of your lungs from material such as undigested foods and liquids entering them. Therefore with most procedures it necessary for you to have an empty stomach so that the chances of regurgitating any undigested food or liquid is greatly reduced. Thus you are told not to eat or drink anything after midnight prior to your surgery. It is also further recommended that you have not significant solid food intake after your dinner. Necessary medications may be taken on the morning of surgery with a sip of water.
Please be certain that your anesthesiologist is aware of any special dental appliances, caps or partial bridges that you may have. Dentures and contact lenses must be removed prior to surgery and can usually be replaced shortly after your arrival in the recovery room. Please advise your doctor pre-operatively if you have any loose, damaged or diseased teeth.
Although nail polish, make-up and acrylic nails are acceptable, you should be aware that these are not recommended since they may interfere with your anesthesiologist’s ability to optimally observe any changes in your condition during surgery.
All jewelry, including rings, should be removed and left at home. No alcohol should be consumed 24 hours prior or after your surgical experience. Cigarette smoking should be stopped or significantly curtailed one week prior to your operation. Also, any symptoms of a cold or upper respiratory tract infection should be reported immediately to your surgeon.
Lastly, please be sure to advise your anesthesiologist if you or any blood relatives have any history of Sickle Cell Disease or prior anesthetic difficulties including Malignant Hyperthermia or problems involving muscle relaxants. Also be sure to mention any drug allergies that you may have.