Prior to surgery, have your medical records, list of medications that you are currently taking, any allergies to any medications, and family history of surgeries and any complications resulting from anesthesia and surgery available. You will discuss this information during your pre-anesthesia questionnaire conducted by your surgeon, primary physicians and anesthesia provider(s).

Your informed consent will need to be obtained for the planned surgical procedure. This legal document will verify that you understand and accept the plans and inherent risks for anesthesia. Ask your medical team to clearly explain procedures and risks. Only sign the consent form when you are satisfied with their answers.

As stated above, due to emergencies and scheduling problems, you may not be able to predict which physicians and anesthesia providers will actually be on your medical team during and after your surgery. Make sure you wear your MH Medical ID bracelet, or Medic Alert bracelet on the day of your surgery.

Give critical information (prior anesthesia complications, drug allergies, drugs that you are taking, etc.) from your pre-anesthesia questionnaire to your medical team on the day of your surgery to ensure your safety and comfort during anesthesia.

You may be repeatedly asked questions by your medical providers to ensure that you understand the procedure you will undergo and that your medical information is correct. Although this questioning may seem overly repetitive, it is important that you clearly communicate the correct answers to help ensure your safety during surgery.

Specific tests may be conducted at least two days before surgery. These procedures may include blood tests, electrocardiogram, chest X-rays, and other tests that may be ordered for other medical conditions.

Discuss fasting before surgery with your anesthesia provider. You may be asked to fast by not eating or drinking anything (even coffee, tea and water) for some period prior to surgery. Sometimes, clear liquids are permitted up to four hour prior to surgery. Fasting is essential to prevent aspiration of food contents into the lungs during the course of general anesthesia.

If you are having outpatient surgery, arrive at least 2 hours before your surgery to allow time to change clothes, review information with the nurse and get any remaining questions answered.

Prior to surgery, make appointments to see any physician(s) that you use on a regular basis for all medical condition(s) to ensure that your treatment and medications are ideal in anticipation of your surgery. Be sure to follow each physician's instructions if your medications are adjusted or terminated. Bring letter(s) from your physicians that detail your physical status, medical condition(s) and treatment plan(s) so that your anesthesia provider can factor this information into your anesthesia plan.

Have a family member or friend accompany you to the operation. Have them drive you home after your recovery period.

Avoid wearing make-up because it can interfere with the accuracy of the monitor readings. Do not take valuables or wear any jewelry to your surgery except your Medical ID Bracelet/Necklace Program to safeguard MH-susceptible patients and others in an emergency.

Do not wear contact lenses, which can lead to abrasions in your corneas. Inform your nurse before surgery if you wear prosthetic devices, hearing aids or have dentures.

In a hospital setting, you will be provided with a hospital gown, placed on a stretcher and receive a plastic wrist identification bracelet. Make sure that all information on this bracelet is correct.