General Anaesthetic Information

Important Information

It is important that you have a good understanding of the general anaesthetic or intravenous sedation process for your oral and maxillofacial surgery.

This includes the routine of the hospital and what to expect after treatment. After your new patient consultation, your surgeon will advise one of our administrative staff to make arrangements for your admission and book you into an external hospital for your upcoming surgery.

The administrators will also

  • Discuss health insurance and account information relating to the surgery.
  • Provide you with a relevant hospital booklet and forms to complete prior to surgery.
  • Inform you of the Specialist Anaesthetist for your surgery and provide contact information for your Anaesthetist and their practice.

Need More Information?

If you have further questions please contact our office on 03 90 888 666  and ask for your specific surgeon’s Personal Assistant.

Fasting

For safety while under general anaesthesia or intravenous sedations, you must not have anything to eat or drink, including water, for at least 6 hours prior to your surgery. The hospital will tell you what time is right for you to start fasting.

NOTE: It is very important for you to follow the fasting instructions carefully, otherwise the hospital may postpone or cancel your surgery.

Pre-Admission Confirmation

Prior to your surgery, the pre-admission coordinator (at the relevant hospital) will contact you to confirm the admission and fasting times. The hospital may also discuss your health insurance status and personal details. A registered nurse may also discuss with you any special needs, medical conditions, pick-up instructions and overnight arrangements if required at the external hospital.

Your carer

You are required to bring a carer with you who will be given information about how to care for you after your surgery. This person will also be expected to take you home and look after you for a minimum of 24 hours after surgery.

A carer’s certificate can be provided to the carer for time off work/school.

Parking at Melbourne OMS

Parking is available at Greenco at 114 Flinders Street. There is also an entry and exit on Flinders Lane (marked in black/green). Parking is at the patients cost.

Parking at External Hospitals

Please contact the individual hospital to speak to the Pre-Admission Officer for parking instructions

  • Epworth Hospital (Richmond)
  • Northpark Hospital
  • Warringal Hospital
  • Epworth Hospital (Hawthorn)

What to Bring with you

  • All current medications and/or a list of current medications
  • Relevant X-rays, CT scans
  • Comfortable clothing
  • Contact number of person taking you home (your carer)
  • If you are staying overnight in the hospital a change of clothes/pyjamas/toiletries.
Notes

Do not bring any valuables such as jewellery or watches. Any jewellery will need to be removed or taped prior to surgery.

For surgery at external hospitals

Payment of the surgical fees is required 5 working days prior to the day of your surgery.

Your Anaesthetist

An Anaesthetist is a specialist doctor who has undergone advanced training in anaesthesia, pain control and the management of medical emergencies.

The surgeons at Melbourne Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery work regularly with well-known and respected Anaesthetist’s who are skilled at the management of patients undergoing Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery procedures and their post-operative care.

Recovery

After surgery you will be moved to the Recovery Area while you may still be under sedation or just awaking from your anaesthetic. It’s normal to remain in recovery for around 30 minutes until you feel stable after waking from anaesthetic.

When you have met the relevant recovery criteria our registered nurse will move you to a recliner chair. Your carer will then be called to attend and we will give them post-operative care instructions and information.

When the registered nurse determines that you have met the Post Anaesthetic Discharge Score (PADS) your carer will then be asked to collect their car from the car park and go to the pick up area to take you home.