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Anesthesia Frequently Asked Questions

Who will provide my anesthesia services?

Anesthesia services at The Outpatient Surgery Center are provided by Anesthesiology of Greenwood (AOG). You will have a board certified/board eligible anesthesiologist caring for you throughout your stay at the surgical center. We have found that this approach provides the maximum amount of patient safety and comfort. Back to the top

When will I meet my Anesthesiologist?

Your anesthesiologist will interview you prior to your surgical procedure, and ask questions about your medical history and review any pre-operative testing you had performed. Together, with your anesthesiologist and surgeon, an anesthetic plan will be developed. You should feel free to discuss any concerns you may have about your care during your visit. Back to the top

What is different about Ambulatory Anesthesia?

Your anesthetic plan, discussed with you prior to surgery, is tailored specifically for you to be able to go home soon after your operation is completed. Special anesthetic techniques are used to provide a swift recovery from the effects of anesthesia. Back to the top

What types of anesthesia might I receive?

General anesthesia - Medications will be given to you that will make you unconscious and unaware during your procedure. These medications will also provide pain relief during the procedure and the immediate post-operative period.
Monitored anesthesia Care (MAC) - You will be given pain medication and/or a sedative, in conjunction with a local anesthetic that numbs the area being operated on during the procedure, to keep you comfortable during surgery.
Regional anesthesia - Local anesthetic medications are injected into a specific place in your body. This will make the area of your body affected by surgery numb to pain. Regional anesthetics such as spinal, epidural, or an extremity block are most commonly used in surgical procedures at the surgical center. Regional anesthesia may also be used in combination with General or MAC anesthesia.
Local anesthesia - You remain awake, but the body part being operated on will be numb to pain.

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What are the common side effects?

Mild nausea and vomiting for a day or two after surgery is not uncommon. This may be due to the anesthesia you received on the day of surgery or pain medication used post-operatively on subsequent days. It is more likely to occur if you have a history of nausea and vomiting with past surgeries, or if you are susceptible to motion sickness. If you are susceptible to post-operative nausea or have history of motion sickness, please inform your anesthesiologist. Depending on the type of anesthesia you receive, you may experience a sore throat, headache, drowsiness, muscle ache and/or fatigue for a few days after your procedure. Back to the top

Will I be billed separately by the Anesthesiologist?

If you receive anesthesia, you will be billed separately by AOG for their professional services. You will be required to visit the AOG office prior to your scheduled surgery date to complete any necessary paperwork and pay any necessary fees. If you do not visit the AOG office prior to your surgery date, your surgery may be canceled. These fees are not included in the surgical center facility fees. If you have any questions regarding anesthesia charges, please call AOG at (864)227-3330. Back to the top