What to Expect from General Anesthesia

General anesthesia is used for many types of surgeries, including vasectomy reversals . This type of anesthesia renders patients completely unconscious so that they do not experience any discomfort or retain any memories of the procedure. Placing a patient under general anesthesia typically involves administering a combination of intravenous and inhaled anesthetics. If you’re anticipating having general anesthesia for your vasectomy reversal, you should discuss the potential risks with your doctor.

Preparations

Since general anesthesia involves more risks than conscious sedation, your doctor will need your full health history. Be sure to inform your doctor if you’ve previously been anesthetized and if you experienced an adverse reaction to it. Discuss all pills you may be taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements, and vitamins. Let the doctor know about any allergies or other medical conditions you may have, and advise him or her if you smoke. These precautions are necessary for your own safety. Your doctor will instruct you to discontinue consuming food and all liquids after a certain point, which is usually midnight on the evening before the surgery. If you need to take any medications, ask your doctor if you can take them with a very small sip of water.

Procedure

When you’re ready to be placed under, the anesthesiologist will administer the medications through an intravenous (IV) line and/or through a mask placed over your mouth and nose. The doctor will likely give you muscle relaxants, which makes it easier for your airway to tolerate the tube that may be inserted to facilitate your respiration. The entire time that you’re asleep, your vital signs will be closely monitored and your medications or fluids will be adjusted as needed.

Recovery

It can take a while to fully wake up, but you won’t be aware of the passage of time. You’ll continue to be closely monitored until you’re fully awake. For the rest of the day, you should rest quietly and take frequent sips of water. It’s common to experience dry mouth, nausea, sore throat, hoarseness, and sleepiness.

When you become a patient of Dr. Joshua Green’s clinic, you’ll receive all of the information you need to make a decision and prepare for your infertility procedure in Sarasota. The Center for Vasectomy Reversal can be reached at (941) 894-6428. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns about your upcoming vasectomy reversal.