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American Society of Anesthesiologists | Made for This Moment

  • Anesthesia 101
    • Anesthesia 101 Overview
    • Types of Anesthesia
    • Effects of Anesthesia
    • Anesthesia Risks
    • Anesthesia Care Team
    • Role of Anesthesiologist
  • Pain Management
    • Pain Management Overview
    • Types of Pain
    • Non-Opioid Treatment
    • Opioid Treatment
  • Preparing for Surgery
    • Preparing for Surgery Overview
    • Risks
    • Preparation
    • Recovery
    • Procedures
  • Stories
  • About
  • Policymakers
  • Health Care Executives
  • Media
  • ASA Members
  • Resources
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  • Preparing for Surgery

Preparing for Surgery

Know what to ask your surgeon and anesthesiologist to make your procedure as safe as possible and to heal faster.

Know how to prepare. Whether you’re having surgery or a procedure in a hospital, outpatient surgery center, or even a doctor’s office, you likely will receive anesthesia to make you comfortable and pain-free. Learn what to do, ask and expect so you can have a safe, successful, and comfortable procedure and an easier recovery.

Risks

Understand how certain health factors, conditions, or habits such as age, smoking, obesity, and sleep apnea may increase the chance for complications.

Preparation

Learn the essential steps to take and the critical questions to ask your anesthesiologist before a surgery or procedure for you or your child.

Recovery

Stay safe and gain peace of mind by knowing what to expect after anesthesia and how an anesthesiologist can help you feel better during recovery.

Procedures

Learn more about C-sections, knee, back, heart, brain, and eye surgeries, and outpatient procedures, including special considerations for anesthesia and postsurgical pain relief.

  • Anesthesia 101
    • Types of Anesthesia
    • Effects of Anesthesia
    • Anesthesia Risks
    • Anesthesia Care Team
    • Role of Anesthesiologist
  • Pain Management
    • Types of Pain
    • Non-Opioid Treatment
    • Opioid Treatment
  • Preparing for Surgery
    • Risks
    • Preparation
    • Recovery
    • Procedures
  • Stories
  • About
  • Policymakers
  • Health Care Executives
  • Media
  • ASA Members
  • Resources

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