My name is Dr Bikash Agarwal, I will be your Anaesthetist for your upcoming surgery. You should have received a patient admission from. This document includes a health questionnaire from the hospital which contains vital information. Please try and complete it with as many details as you can.

 

I will see you for your pre-anaesthetic consultation prior to your surgery. This gives you an opportunity to ask any questions you may have and also allows me to discuss the anaesthesia, associated risks/complications and pain management related to the procedure. 

 

Fasting

Appropriate fasting before your procedure is essential for a safe anaesthesia. Food or fluid in your stomach may be vomited into your lungs during your procedure causing complications. Your procedure will be postponed if you are unable to abide by the fasting guidelines. Stop smoking as soon as possible (ideally at least 6 weeks prior to your treatment). Reduce alcohol consumption. No food, milk, lollies, alcohol or non-clear fluids for 6 hours before anaesthesia. Clear fluids (water, cordials, clear apple juice, black tea or coffee [no milk or sugar]) can be taken up until 2 hours prior to anaesthesia.

 

Medications

You should take all your regular medications up to and including the day of your surgery. Certain medications such as diabetic medications or blood thinners may need to be modified/stopped before surgery. We will provide you with necessary instructions.

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Your anaesthetic

You may receive a regional/ general anaesthetic or sedation. An intravenous drip is often inserted at the back of your hand. The drugs used in anaesthesia can affect other body functions, so please be reassured to know you are being monitored throughout your operation and your breathing, pulse and blood pressure is constantly watched supporting and controlling these as necessary. After the operation is over you will be taken to a special area, called the Recovery room, close to the operating theatre. The recovery room is staffed by nurses specially trained to look after you. Whether you are inpatient or being discharged the same day adequate pain relief will be organised to make you more comfortable.

 

Risks

Anaesthesia today is very safe however no anaesthetic is without risk and we must inform of possible risks. When they do occur, complications vary from the mild and inconvenient (headache, nausea and vomiting, inflammation/bruising at injection entry point, temporary nerve damage, hoarse voice or a sore throat from the breathing tube or the laryngeal mask) to the severe but extremely rare (dental damage, recall during surgery, heart attack, stroke, brain damage, death). Allergic reactions to anaesthetic drugs are possible (although very rare).

 

Informed Financial Consent 

It is difficult to estimate the costs associated with your anaesthetic prior to your procedure. The likely out of pocket expenses (“gap”) varies and is calculated based on type of procedure you are having, the complexity and duration of the anaesthesia, and also your private health insurance status.

 

Anaesthetic fees are not only determined by the type of procedure you are having and the time that the procedure takes, there can sometimes be also be additional ancillary procedures undertaken such as advanced monitoring techniques, some pain control techniques, for patients who have serious medical conditions, and for the very young or the elderly.

 

After your procedure, we will submit an itemised invoice to Medicare (if eligible) and your health fund (if applicable). How much your out of pocket expense (gap) will be, will largely depend on the level of your health fund rebates. You will receive an invoice which must be paid within 2 weeks of your procedure.

 

Thank you for your time. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any queries. 

           

            0354432276.                 reception@specialistsonhoneysuckle.com.au