Pre-Anesthesia Clinic

Our Pre-Anesthesia Clinic provides thorough evaluation for surgical and procedural patients. We offer information and patient education about the anesthetic process (going to sleep for a procedure or surgery), risks, and alternatives. Each patient is carefully assessed by a team which may include nurses, nurse practitioners and an anesthesiologist. The anesthesiologist is the doctor who provides medical care to patients throughout their surgical experience. This includes the medical evaluation of patients before surgery, consulting with the surgical team, providing pain control and medical support during surgery, and supervising care after surgery. The Pre-Anesthesia Clinic is a part of the Division of Anesthesia & Pain Medicine.

Patients who have had recent anesthesia may not require an appointment in this clinic.

What to expect during your Pre-Anesthesia Clinic evaluation

Clinic Appointments

Almost all Pre-Anesthesia Clinic visits are done over the phone with a nurse or nurse practitioner. You will get an email notifying you of the date and time of your upcoming call and confirming your availability. During your call, you’ll be asked questions about your child’s health, which will help us plan for your child’s anesthetic.

For some patients, the Pre-Anesthesia Clinic will email to book a virtual videoassessment with an anesthesiologist or nurse practitioner. They will want to see your child on camera for at least the first part of the appointment, and may want to remotely examine the patient’s head, neck and mouth. It is important that we recognize any abnormalities of the airway early, so that we can make plans for management during the procedure.

The Anesthetic Plan

Our team will help create a plan for your child’s anesthetic. This plan will consider your child’s surgical procedure, any medical conditions they have, any history of previous anesthetics, and their individual likes and dislikes. Our team will discuss possible plans during your visit and will answer your questions. The team member who evaluates your child during your clinic call or virtual appointment will likely not be the one who cares for your child on the day of surgery.

Anesthesiologists have differing preferences in their practice; there is often more than one way to ensure your child’s comfort and safety during their operation or procedure. The team member who assesses your child in the clinic may discuss various anesthetic options and the final decision will be left to the anesthesiologist who is caring for your child on the day of the procedure.

Why is this important?

Visiting the Pre-Anesthesia Clinic helps to ensure that your child’s overall health is the best it can be prior to their surgery or procedure. The goal of the consultation is to minimize risk during surgery. The process also helps to avoid delays and cancellations.

Possible Further Testing

Based on the information obtained by the team in the Pre-Anesthesia Clinic, your child may need to undergo further testing, consultation, or therapy to optimize their health and minimize their risk during a surgery or a procedure. For example, your child may need X-rays or blood samples.

Your child may also be referred to various medical specialists for diagnosis and treatment if necessary. If your child’s surgery is elective and they have an unstable medical condition, surgery may be delayed, so that their condition can be better evaluated and treated.

Your Clinic Appointment

It's important to be prepared and available for your call or video visit. Please be ready at your scheduled time and have a list of any medications your child takes regularly, including puffers and any vitamins or supplements. Learn more about how to prepare for a virtual visit.