Is it normal to attend a separate appointment for anaesthetics prior to scheduled surgery?

[hididdlyho]

I've been sent a letter asking to complete a questionnaire and attend an outpatient appointment for pre-assessment at the anaesthetics department next week. There's no mention of needing to fast or what will happen during the surgery/needing to arrange to be collected, so I assume this means the coronectomy will be scheduled for a later date?

DD has had surgery a few times and has always had a pre appointment with anaesthesiology. Was a complete pita when we had to travel from Norfolk to Birmingham as that's where her surgery was and they insisted on an appointment with the anaesthetist first. So two trips across the country.

Yes, it's normal in my experience.

IME the pre-assessment clinic is to screen you for any co-existing problems and risk assess for anaesthesia. So they will want to check your heart and lungs, your weight, blood pressure, any medication you are on and any other risk factors. Bring your medication with you as this is one of the appointments they will actually want to check it.

The anaesthetic is probably the most risky part of the procedure, so it is good that the clinic is there to make sure the anaesthetist is up to speed with everything.

Yes, it's standard to have an assessment appointment before a general anaesthetic, what it reveals will contribute towards your safety during the surgery.

Yep. Pre assessment perfectly normal.

Yes, this is normal. I had it before my major surgery last year. They check your heart and lungs etc to make sure you aren’t high risk for anaesthetic.

I’m waiting for endo surgery and they’ve said I will get an anaesthetic appointment first

Its normal here in the US: anesthesia is a separate department and a very important specialty with its own rules, regulations, and responsibilities. In my recent surgery I met with them first and then with the surgical team speciality by specialty. Nursing staff then surgeons.

Yes, totally normal. I had that also, they ask questions about things that could affect the anaesthetic - which can be very different to what the surgeon is interested in- and they also explained what pain management options I'd have after.

Thanks - They sent a huge questionnaire about medications etc, so assumed this would be an appointment in itself. Good to know I have some extra time to mentally prepare for the surgery. The initial consultant I saw was telling me how awful I'll feel for at least a week after having a GA, which wasn't off putting or anything!

Normal in France, too. Private clinics send you to a heart specialist and a lung specialist as well.