South Shore Anesthesia Associates
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
about Anesthesia during Surgery

Why do I have to come to pretest?

The anesthesiologist I met at pretest may not be present at my surgery, why?

What medications do I take the night before surgery?

What if I have a problem at home after surgery?

When can I drive?

Why do I have to come to pretest?
Based upon feedback of our patients, most prefer to meet with an anesthesiologist and nurse specialist prior to surgery. Many questions can be routinely answered at this visit and reduces the overall anxiety often associated with surgery and anesthesia.

The anesthesiologist I met at pretest may not be present at my surgery, why?
Because our doctors and nurses are caring for other surgical patients, it is impractical to have every anesthesiologist available for pretest visits.

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What medications do I take the night before surgery?
At your pretest visit, you will be instructed which medications to take. If you forget or misplace this information, please call the pretest clinic at South Shore Hospital to speak with a nurse specialist (781-340-8000).

What if I have a problem at home after surgery?
If you have a medical emergency, you should contact your surgeon or dial 911. If you have questions regarding your anesthesia or have side effects related to your anesthesia, you may contact a SSAA anesthesiologist at 781-340-8000 (ask for the anesthesiologist on call).

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When can I drive?
At discharge, you will receive instructions regarding resuming normal activities. Every patient differs with respect to the operation performed, anesthesia received, pain medications, etc., so patients receive individualized instructions at discharge.

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