For Patients

Follow pre-surgery diet and instructions.

Most of your medications can be taken as regular, but with a small sip of water on the morning of surgery. Blood thinners and insulin may need to be held.

Patients should have nothing to eat or drink after midnight on the day of surgery, unless otherwise specified

Verify that a physician anesthesiologist is leading your anesthesia care. In Texas, nurse anesthetists can provide anesthesia without physician oversight.

Discuss a plan with your anesthesiologist, including limiting harmful opioids and associated side effects like nausea. Also discuss any fears or issues you have had with anesthesia in the past.

Stop smoking, even if only one day before

Wear comfortable clothing

Bring a friend or family member. You will not be allowed to drive for 24 hours after surgery.

How is the nerve block performed, and is it painful?

All blocks are normally performed before you enter the operating room. An intravenous line is inserted, monitors are attached, and your anesthesia team will explain the entire procedure to you and answer any questions you may have. You will then be comfortably sedated and most patients hardly remember the block being performed. Before the block is performed the skin is cleaned with a sterile solution followed by a small skin wheal of local anesthetic at the block needle insertion site. All that you will feel is a small pinch, and usually not much after that. Learn more about nerve blocks.

Will I see, feel, or hear anything in the operating room?

Most patients receive general anesthesia and will be completely asleep during the procedure.   If you would prefer to not have general anesthesia for your procedure, this may be possible depending on can be discussed with your anesthesiologist. 

Will I be nauseated during or after the surgery?

It is less likely you will have nausea if you receive a regional anesthesia (nerve block). Because the surgical area will be numb, you will not need very much opioids after surgery for pain.  Opioids can cause nausea, as well as many other harmful side effects.  

Will I have pain after the surgery?

Pain is still possible after surgery even with a nerve block.  However, patients tend to have better pain control if they receive nerve blocks, since it is a more targeted approach to your pain.

Understanding Your Financial Responsibilities:

Trinity Anesthesia PLLC, will submit a claim to your insurance company for anesthesia services. This is a separate claim from your surgeon’s bill. We often do not submit our claim for several months, but once submitted you will receive an “Explanation of Benefits (EOB)” from your insurance company. This is NOT A BILL. We will be negotiating with your insurance company for payment. Until you receive a bill from Trinity Anesthesia, there is no reason to be alarmed.

We understand the billing process is complex, and that is why we encourage our patients to contact our office at (682) 582-7001 with any questions. Payment plans and options for those experiencing financial hardship are also available. Please contact us for more information.