You’re about to undergo a significant medical procedure. While you trust your surgeon, you may not know much about the anesthesiologist who will be putting you to sleep
Anesthesiologists are highly trained medical professionals who specialize in administering anesthesia and monitoring patients during surgery. They play a vital role in making you feel safe and comfortable during your procedure.
That’s why we’ve put together a list of questions you should ask your anesthesiologist before surgery. That way, you can rest easy and have more confidence in the treatment you’ll receive.
59 Questions you can ask an anesthesiologist:
- What experience do you have with surgeries like mine?
- What are the complications associated with anesthesia?
- What should I do to prepare for surgery?
- Will I be in pain after surgery?
- How long will it take for the anesthesia to wear off?
- When can I go home after surgery?
- What are the signs of a reaction to the anesthesia?
- What should I do if I have a reaction to the anesthesia?
- Can I request a specific type of anesthesia?
- How will you keep me comfortable during surgery?
- Do you have any tips on managing pain after surgery?
- What experience do you have with this particular type of surgery?
- How often do you do this procedure?
- What are the risks associated with this type of anesthesia?
- What can I do to reduce those risks?
- What should I do to prepare for surgery?
- What can I expect after the surgery is over?
- How will I be monitored during the surgery?
- Will I be awake during the surgery?
- What are the side effects of anesthesia?
- What should I do if I experience any side effects after the surgery?
- How long will the anesthesia last?
- When can I eat or drink after the surgery?
- Can I go home after the surgery or will I need to stay in the hospital overnight?
- How will I feel when I wake up from the anesthesia?
- Will I be in pain after the surgery is over?
- Is there anything else I should know about this type of anesthesia or this type of surgery?
- What type of training have you had?
- Are you certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology?
- How many years have you been practicing?
- What is your experience with this particular type of surgery?
- What are the signs that something is wrong?
- What should I do if I’m feeling uncomfortable during surgery?
- How will I wake up after surgery?
- What pain management options will be available to me after surgery?
- Are there any other medications I should avoid taking before surgery?
- Should I avoid eating or drinking before surgery?
- Is there anything else I need to know before going under anesthesia?
- What experience do you have with this particular type of surgery?
- Will I be able to speak to the anesthesiologist during the surgery?
- After the surgery, how long will it take for me to recover?
- Who should I call if I have questions or concerns after the surgery?
- Is there anything I can do to reduce my risk of complications during or after the surgery?
- What would you do if I had a reaction to the anesthesia during the surgery?
- Do you have any other tips that might help me during this process?
- What drew you to the field of anesthesiology?
- What is a typical day like for an anesthesiologist?
- What is the most challenging part of your job?
- How do you stay up-to-date on new developments in your field?
- What are some common misconceptions about anesthesiology?
- Can you tell me about a time when you had to think outside the box to solve a problem?
- Can you share a positive experience you’ve had working with a patient?
- Can you share a challenging experience you’ve had working with a patient?
- How do you handle difficult situations or emergencies?
- What are some of the most common procedures that you perform?
- What kind of training did you have to undergo to become an anesthesiologist?
- How do you work with other medical professionals to ensure that patients receive the best possible care?
- What are your thoughts on the current state of healthcare in America?
- What do you see as the future of anesthesiology?
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the anesthesiologist do?
The anesthesiologist is responsible for administering anesthesia to the patient prior to surgery. They work with the surgeon to make sure the patient is as comfortable as possible during surgery. They also monitor the patient’s vital signs during surgery to make sure they are stable.
Does an anesthesiologist perform surgery?
No, an anesthesiologist does not perform surgery. They are responsible for ensuring that the patient receives anesthesia before, during, and after surgery. This helps to make the patient feel comfortable and safe during surgery.
Conclusion
Knowing what questions to ask your anesthesiologist will help you feel more prepared and at ease before surgery. Write down your questions so you don’t forget them, and ask as many questions as you need!
