Surgical Instructions

Before & After Intravenous Sedation

Before IV Anesthesia

Thank you for selecting Pacific Maxillofacial Center for your surgical care.  To help ensure the best possible outcome for your surgery, we ask for your full cooperation in following these very important instructions.

  1. Do not eat or drink anything (not even water) after midnight or at least 8 hours before your surgery.  No gum chewing for at least 8 hours prior, as well.

    • When you wake up in the morning, you may brush your teeth, but do not swallow any water.
    • Parents, please observe your children closely to be certain no food or drink is consumed.  An empty stomach is very important for the safety of all patients undergoing anesthesia.
    • Should you eat or drink prior to your surgery, call our office or inform the doctor upon your arrival.  Your surgery may be rescheduled for another day.
  2. You must arrange for a responsible adult to accompany you to the office and escort you home after surgery.  You will not be allowed to drive yourself home or leave the office alone in a taxi.

    • Your escort is expected to remain in the waiting room during your surgery and stay with you in the recovery room to review important post-operative instructions.
    • Patients under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian on the day of surgery, or must have a consent form signed in advance.
  3. No alcohol for 24 hours before surgery.  No smoking for at least 12 hours before surgery.  Ideally, cut down or stop smoking as soon as possible before your surgery.
  4. Take all regularly prescribed medications without food and with a small sip of water.

    • If you require antibiotic premedication, (because of a heart murmur, artifical joint, VP shunt, or artifical heart valve,) take your prescribed dosage of antibiotics one hour prior to surgery with a small sip of water.
    • If you are diabetic, consult with the doctor for specific instructions on adjusting your medication dosages appropriately.
  5. Wear loose, short-sleeved clothing, as we will be placing a blood pressure cuff on your upper arm and attaching heart monitors to your chest.  Women, please wear flat or low-heeled shoes, so that you may walk safely until the effects of the anesthesia have worn off.
  6. Please remove nail polish from your index fingers, so that our oxygen monitors function properly during your surgery.
  7. Please remove contact lenses at home, as we do not have a storage case for your lenses.
  8. Please do not wear jewelry or excessive make-up.
  9. If you have asthma, bring your inhalers.  If you are taking prednisone, please bring this medication with you.
  10. If you develop symptoms of a cough, cold, nasal/chest congetion, or illness such as stomach or bowel upset before your surgery, please call the office for further instructions.

After IV Anesthesia

The anesthesia medications can remain in your body for 24 hours after your surgery.  Until the anesthetic has been totally eliminated from your system, your reactions and judgment may be impaired.  For your safety and the safety of others, please follow these important instructions.

  1. For at least 24 hours after surgery, you must NOT do the following:

    • Drive a car or motor vehicle;
    • Operate or work around complex equipment or machinery, such as a forklift, lawnmower, or power tools.
    • Make any important decisions or sign any legal documents;
    • Drink alcohol, including hard liquor, beer, and wine.
  2. Please remain quietly at home for the day and rest.  Someone should be available to check on you throughout the remainder of the day or provide assistance at night if necessary.
  3. If possible, please arrange for someone to care for your small children for the day.
  4. Don't take any medications unless prescribed by or discussed with your doctor.
  5. Do take liquids first and slowly progress to a light meal.  Heavy foods can be difficult for your system to digest, thereby increasing the chance for nausea and discomfort.
  6. If you are nursing, please consult with your child's pediatrician for specific instructions on when you may safely nurse after your surgery and what pain medications you may take.
  7. Should you have questions regarding your recovery, please call our office.  After-hours, you may page your doctor.

Our goal is provide you with a safe, pleasant, and effective anesthesia experience.  Please do not hesitate to ask questions concerning your surgery or recovery.  Thank you for the opportunity to care for you.