Before you are admitted to the hospital, a pre-admission interview will be conducted and you will be given information and instructions to help you prepare for your procedure. The pre-admission process is designed to ensure that you receive the highest quality of service and care from registration to discharge.

A registered nurse will ask you questions about your medical history and any medicine you are currently taking. You will be asked to provide the names and dosage amounts of each medication including herbal and over the counter medicines. Allow approximately one hour for your interview.

If you are not available during the scheduled pre-admission interview noted in this pamphlet and need to reschedule for a more convenient time, please call Surgical Scheduling at (603) 421.2161.

Types of Anesthesia

Before your scheduled surgery, your surgeon and anesthesia provider will discuss what type of anesthesia is appropriate for you. The risk and benefits of anesthesia depend on your medical history and your anesthesiologist will discuss this with you prior to surgery. Your anesthesiologist will stay with you through your surgery monitoring how you respond to the anesthetic. Your anesthesia options include:

• Monitored Anesthesia (MAC): is used for procedures that are short or less invasive. You have the option to stay awake during procedures that use this type of anesthesia.
• Regional Anesthesia: is often used for surgery on the abdomen, arms, or legs. By injecting anesthetic into the spine, a portion of your body becomes numb. You have the option to stay awake when using this type of anesthesia.
• General Anesthesia: is used when performing major surgery. You will be asleep during a procedure using this type of anesthesia.