Questions to Ask the Anaesthetist

Facing surgery can be stressful, but talking openly with your anesthetist helps you understand what will happen—and why. Below is a complete list of questions to ask the anesthetist, based on guidelines from leading anesthesiology associations and medical experts. Use this as a guide to feel calm, informed and ready.

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1. About Your Anesthetist’s Background

Understanding who will manage your anesthesia builds trust and confidence.

• What are your qualifications and years of experience?
• How many procedures like mine have you handled?
• Are you board-certified or registered with a national anesthesiology body?
• Will you personally care for me throughout the operation?
• Who covers you if you’re called away during my procedure?

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2. Pre-operative Preparation

Proper preparation reduces risks and helps recovery.

• How should I prepare on the day before and the day of surgery?
  • When should I stop eating and drinking?
  • Which of my regular medications should I take or skip?
• Do I need special tests (blood work, ECG, imaging) before anesthesia?
• Are there supplements or over-the-counter drugs I should avoid?
• What if I develop a cold, fever or other symptoms before surgery?
  If you’re unsure about new or unusual symptoms, you might consider a free, online symptom check, using the doctor approved Ubie Symptom Checker.

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3. Types of Anesthesia

Knowing what type you’ll receive clarifies what to expect.

• What form of anesthesia are you recommending?
  • General (unconscious)
  • Regional (spinal, epidural, nerve block)
  • Local (numbing just part of the body)
• Why is this the best choice for my procedure and health status?
• Will I need a breathing tube or mask?
• How do you decide on the exact drug and dosage?
• Can I stay awake but sedated, or will I be fully asleep?

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4. Intra-operative Monitoring and Safety

Anesthesia is closely monitored to keep you safe.

• What monitors will be used to track my heart, blood pressure, oxygen and breathing?
• How will you ensure I don’t feel pain during surgery?
• What backup equipment is available in case of an emergency?
• Have you taken special precautions given my age, weight or medical history?
• Who else is on the team, and what are their roles?

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5. Pain Management

Pain relief begins before surgery and continues afterward.

• What pain-relief methods will you use during and after my operation?
  • Opioids, non-opioids, nerve blocks, PCA pumps?
• How soon after surgery can I expect to feel pain relief?
• What side effects should I watch for (nausea, itching, breathing issues)?
• How will you adjust pain control if I’m still uncomfortable?
• Are there non-drug options (ice, positioning, relaxation techniques)?

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6. Risks, Side Effects and Allergies

No medical procedure is risk-free. Knowing potential issues lets you prepare.

• What are the common side effects of this anesthesia?
  • Sore throat, nausea, shivering, headache?
• What rare but serious complications should I know about?
• How do you prevent or manage allergic reactions?
• I’m allergic to [drug X]; can you confirm it won’t be used?
• What steps do you take to reduce the risk of awareness during general anesthesia?

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7. Recovery and Post-operative Care

Your anesthetist plays a vital role after surgery, too.

• How long will it take me to wake up in the recovery area?
• What monitoring and support happen immediately after surgery?
• When can I eat, drink and move around safely?
• Will I feel groggy or confused, and how long does that last?
• Who do I call if I have severe pain, difficulty breathing, or other worrying symptoms?

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8. Special Considerations

Certain health conditions require extra attention.

• I have [condition: asthma, heart disease, diabetes, obesity]; how does this affect my anesthesia?
• If I’m pregnant or breastfeeding, is anesthesia safe for me and my baby?
• What if I have sleep apnea or snore heavily?
• Are there age-related issues if I’m very young or elderly?

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9. Practical Tips

• Bring a list of every medication, vitamin and supplement you take.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothes to the hospital.
• Arrange for someone to drive you home—don’t plan to drive the same day.
• Ask for written instructions covering pre-op fasting, post-op pain control and follow-up.

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10. Final Steps

Writing down your questions and taking notes during your discussion ensures you don’t forget anything important. If you encounter symptoms you’re unsure about before surgery, consider a free, online symptom check, using the doctor approved Ubie Symptom Checker.

Above all, your health and safety come first. Always speak to a doctor or qualified medical professional about any new, severe or life-threatening concerns. An open conversation with your anesthetist helps you approach surgery with confidence, clarity and peace of mind.