Anesthesia at TSC

Patients at TSC receive surgical anesthesia and analgesics from a team of highly qualified Anesthesiologists and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists from Providence Anesthesiology Associates . Their team has extensive clinical experience serving hospitals and surgery centers throughout the Triangle area and has a reputation for cost-effective, safe, and efficient anesthesia delivery.

Before your surgery, one of our qualified Registered Nurses will reach out to you for a pre-anesthesia screening call. Depending on your needs, you may also be asked to come to the Surgery Center for an evaluation by an anesthesia provider to determine the most appropriate plan for the day of surgery. Prepare to provide information including:

• Details about you general health
• Details about any chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes
• Allergies to medications or other foods/substances
• Previous experience with anesthesia
• Details about recent hospitalizations or procedures

During the pre-screening call or visit, you will receive important details to help you prepare for your surgical procedure, such as:

• When to stop eating and drinking the day before the procedure
• Which medications you should take before the surgery
• Which medication you should stop taking before the procedure and when
• The type of medication the anesthesiologist is planning to use, with the caveat that plans may change

On the day of surgery, you will receive a thorough description of the anesthetic procedure by one of the anesthesiologists. You will also be asked to complete a consent form. Feel free to ask questions or discuss any concerns with the attending staff member.

Your anesthesiologist or certified registered nurse anesthetist will administer one of three types of anesthesia:

• Monitored anesthesia, in which you receive intravenous (IV) medication to help you relax. You may be drowsy or drift in and out of sleep.
• Regional anesthesia, which numbs a specific area of the body. Epidurals that block the nerves that control sensation in the extremities are a form of regional anesthesia. This may be paired with IV medication to help you relax.
• General anesthesia, which causes a complete loss of consciousness during the procedure.

Again, the anesthesia team will base your specific treatment based on factors including the type of procedure you are having and your personal medical history.

When your surgery is complete, you will be transferred to the Post Anesthetic Care Unit for recovery and monitoring.