Published by Commons Clinic. [Web version](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/anesthesia-options-orthopedic-surgery/) Reviewer names are abbreviated. Patient reviews describe individual experiences. Review counts describe source records, not unique patients or clinical outcomes; the acquired snapshot may not include complete platform histories. Clinical education and patient accounts do not replace a consultation. Choosing your care # 7 questions about anesthesia for orthopedic surgery Your anesthesia plan should fit the operation, your health, and the recovery you need afterward. Ask about the proposed approach before surgery day, particularly if you have had an unpleasant anesthesia experience or take medicines that need coordination. Published by Commons Clinic · Updated October 21, 2026 · 6 min read [Questions to ask ↓](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/anesthesia-options-orthopedic-surgery/#consultation-questions) [Patient experiences ↓](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/anesthesia-options-orthopedic-surgery/#patient-experiences) In this guide 1. [What type of anesthesia is being proposed and why?](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/anesthesia-options-orthopedic-surgery/#guide-section-1) 2. [What history does the anesthesia team need?](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/anesthesia-options-orthopedic-surgery/#guide-section-2) 3. [What are the alternatives and individual tradeoffs?](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/anesthesia-options-orthopedic-surgery/#guide-section-3) 4. [How do medicines and fasting fit together?](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/anesthesia-options-orthopedic-surgery/#guide-section-4) 5. [What should I expect if a nerve block is included?](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/anesthesia-options-orthopedic-surgery/#guide-section-5) 6. [How will recovery-room concerns be managed?](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/anesthesia-options-orthopedic-surgery/#guide-section-6) 7. [Who will care for me and answer questions afterward?](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/anesthesia-options-orthopedic-surgery/#guide-section-7) 8. [Sleep apnea: information to share before anesthesia](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/anesthesia-options-orthopedic-surgery/#guide-section-8) [Go to your consultation questions ↓](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/anesthesia-options-orthopedic-surgery/#consultation-questions) ## 1. What type of anesthesia is being proposed and why? General anesthesia, regional anesthesia, local anesthesia, and sedation have different roles, and some procedures use a combination. Ask the anesthesia clinician to explain what you would experience with the proposed plan and why it suits the operation. The choice is not determined by patient preference alone, but your concerns belong in the discussion. If you have heard that a friend stayed awake for a similar procedure, ask whether that option is relevant to your case. Compare the complete plan rather than assuming that the same surgery name always requires the same anesthetic approach. Sources: [Types of Anesthesia](https://madeforthismoment.asahq.org/anesthesia-101/types-of-anesthesia/) ## 2. What history does the anesthesia team need? Share prior anesthesia reactions, severe nausea, difficult airway experiences, sleep apnea, and relevant family history. Bring a complete medicine and supplement list and be candid about alcohol, nicotine, cannabis, or other substance use. The purpose is to plan care, not to judge you. If you use a device such as a CPAP machine, ask what to bring and how it will be managed. Mention loose teeth, dental appliances, and other details requested during assessment. Do not assume that every item in another clinician's record has already reached the anesthesia team. Sources: [Preparing for Surgery: Checklist](https://madeforthismoment.asahq.org/preparing-for-surgery/prep/preparing-for-surgery-checklist/) ## 3. What are the alternatives and individual tradeoffs? Ask which reasonable approaches are available for your operation and how their benefits and risks differ for you. A regional technique can numb a body area; a nerve block may also be used for pain management around certain orthopedic procedures. Neither label eliminates the need for an individualized discussion. Ask what might cause the plan to change during surgery and how that possibility is handled in consent. Explain your main concern, whether it is awareness, nausea, postoperative discomfort, or a previous bad experience. A focused concern is easier for the team to address than a general request for the safest possible option. Sources: [Types of Anesthesia](https://madeforthismoment.asahq.org/anesthesia-101/types-of-anesthesia/) · [Regional Anesthesia](https://madeforthismoment.asahq.org/anesthesia-101/types-of-anesthesia/regional-anesthesia/) ## 4. How do medicines and fasting fit together? Request written instructions about eating, drinking, and every medicine that needs special handling. The plan may involve coordination with other prescribers. Do not stop a prescription, change a dose, or extend fasting based on advice for a different procedure. Read the instructions before the day of surgery and ask about anything that conflicts with your usual routine. Know whom to contact if you accidentally eat, drink, take, or miss something outside the plan. Tell the team honestly; that information helps them decide how to proceed safely. Sources: [Preparing for Surgery: Checklist](https://madeforthismoment.asahq.org/preparing-for-surgery/prep/preparing-for-surgery-checklist/) · [Patient Guide to Safe Surgery](https://www.orthoinfo.org/treatment/patient-guide-to-safe-surgery/) ## 5. What should I expect if a nerve block is included? Ask which area will be affected, how the team will assess the block, and what instructions apply while sensation or strength is altered. Request guidance about protecting the affected area, getting assistance, and recognizing a change that should be reported. Follow the instructions for the specific block rather than a generic duration found online. Ask how pain management transitions as the block wears off and who handles questions after discharge. If a catheter is involved, request a demonstration and written instructions for its care. Make sure your support person knows the parts of the plan they may need to help with. Sources: [Regional Anesthesia](https://madeforthismoment.asahq.org/anesthesia-101/types-of-anesthesia/regional-anesthesia/) ## 6. How will recovery-room concerns be managed? Tell the team if nausea, confusion, or difficult pain control complicated a previous recovery. Ask how they will assess comfort and readiness to leave the recovery area. If you have concerns about breathing or sleep apnea, ask how those concerns affect monitoring and discharge planning. Clarify which symptoms should be reported immediately after you go home and where to seek help. A discharge checklist should be understandable to you and the person accompanying you. Request an explanation of any instruction that seems to conflict with the surgeon's plan. Sources: [Preparing for Surgery: Checklist](https://madeforthismoment.asahq.org/preparing-for-surgery/prep/preparing-for-surgery-checklist/) · [Patient Guide to Safe Surgery](https://www.orthoinfo.org/treatment/patient-guide-to-safe-surgery/) ## 7. Who will care for me and answer questions afterward? Ask who is responsible for the anesthesia plan, who will be present during the operation, and how the team communicates with the surgeon. Before discharge, confirm transportation and supervision requirements. Arrange the support actually requested rather than assuming that a ride alone completes the plan. We encourage patients to bring anesthesia questions forward early. Knowing the names, roles, and contact routes of the people involved can make the experience easier to navigate. Reviews about reassurance and communication are helpful context, while your medical assessment determines the appropriate anesthesia plan. Sources: [Preparing for Surgery: Checklist](https://madeforthismoment.asahq.org/preparing-for-surgery/prep/preparing-for-surgery-checklist/) · [10 Questions to Ask Before Having an Operation](https://www.facs.org/for-patients/surgery-faq/10-questions/) ## Sleep apnea: information to share before anesthesia Tell the anesthesia team about diagnosed sleep apnea, the results of any sleep study you have, and whether you use CPAP, BiPAP or another prescribed device. If you have difficulty using the treatment, say so. Also describe loud snoring, witnessed pauses in breathing or marked daytime sleepiness even if no diagnosis has been made. The team can decide whether more assessment is needed; these symptoms do not establish the diagnosis by themselves. Ask whether to bring your device, mask, settings information and relevant records to the facility. Clarify when prescribed therapy should be used around the operation and who can help if equipment is missing or uncomfortable. Do not change settings or stop treatment independently. The plan should fit the anesthesia, operation and postoperative setting, rather than relying on an instruction intended for another patient. Discuss pain medicines, sleep aids, alcohol and other sedating products with the team. Sleep apnea can affect breathing during sedation and recovery, so the anesthesiologist may adjust the anesthetic, pain-management or monitoring plan. Ask whether it changes the suitability of same-day discharge and what observation or help is needed at home. A planned overnight stay, when recommended, is part of individualized care rather than a setback. Before leaving, make sure you and any authorized helper understand the current instructions, the role of the prescribed breathing device and the contact plan. Slow or difficult breathing, inability to wake normally or other emergency symptoms require emergency services rather than a portal message. For routine questions or difficulty tolerating the device, ask which team to contact. Keeping the anesthesia, surgical and sleep-care clinicians informed helps avoid conflicting instructions during recovery. Sources: [American Society of Anesthesiologists — Sleep Apnea and Anesthesia](https://madeforthismoment.asahq.org/preparing-for-surgery/risks/sleep-apnea/) · [Preparing for Surgery: Checklist](https://madeforthismoment.asahq.org/preparing-for-surgery/prep/preparing-for-surgery-checklist/) Make the most of your visit ## Questions to bring to your consultation Choose the questions that matter most to you. Bring them along, and ask us to explain anything that is unclear. - Why do you recommend this anesthesia approach for my operation and health? - Which previous reactions or family history should we discuss in more detail? - What reasonable alternatives are available and when might the plan change? - Can I have one written set of fasting and medication instructions? - If I receive a nerve block, how should I protect the area and manage its wearing off? - How do my nausea history or sleep apnea affect recovery and monitoring? - Who answers anesthesia-related concerns after I leave the facility? - What sleep-study and device information should I bring? - Does sleep apnea change the anesthesia, pain plan or discharge setting? - When should I use my prescribed device, and who helps if I have difficulty? ## Sources & further reading - [Types of Anesthesia](https://madeforthismoment.asahq.org/anesthesia-101/types-of-anesthesia/) American Society of Anesthesiologists - [Preparing for Surgery: Checklist](https://madeforthismoment.asahq.org/preparing-for-surgery/prep/preparing-for-surgery-checklist/) American Society of Anesthesiologists - [Regional Anesthesia](https://madeforthismoment.asahq.org/anesthesia-101/types-of-anesthesia/regional-anesthesia/) American Society of Anesthesiologists - [Patient Guide to Safe Surgery](https://www.orthoinfo.org/treatment/patient-guide-to-safe-surgery/) AAOS OrthoInfo - [10 Questions to Ask Before Having an Operation](https://www.facs.org/for-patients/surgery-faq/10-questions/) American College of Surgeons - [American Society of Anesthesiologists — Sleep Apnea and Anesthesia](https://madeforthismoment.asahq.org/preparing-for-surgery/risks/sleep-apnea/) madeforthismoment.asahq.org We use these medical sources to help explain your options and prepare you for a conversation with our team. Our guides feature our own clinicians; patient reviews describe individual experiences. [Read as Markdown](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/anesthesia-options-orthopedic-surgery/index.md) Meet our team ## People behind your care. [**Allyson Estess, MD** Orthopedic Surgeon, Sports Medicine](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/allyson-estess-md/) [More about Allyson Estess ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/allyson-estess-m-d/) [**Andrew Wassef, MD** Orthopedic Surgeon, Joints](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/andrew-wassef-md/) [More about Andrew Wassef ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/andrew-wassef-md/) [**Sanjay Khurana, MD** Orthopedic Surgeon, Spine](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/sanjay-khurana-md/) [More about Sanjay Khurana ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/sanjay-khurana-m-d/) Explore our clinicians, then talk with us about your symptoms, goals, and the care you need. Patient experiences ## Meet the clinician. *Hear the experience.* Read how patients describe their care, then bring the questions that matter to your own visit. Each portrait stays with that clinician’s accounts. [![Sanjay Khurana, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/sanjay-khurana-m-d.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/sanjay-khurana-md/) ## [Sanjay Khurana, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/sanjay-khurana-md/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Spine [Biography & all reviews →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/sanjay-khurana-md/) [Commons Clinic profile ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/sanjay-khurana-m-d/) Excerpt > Sanjay Khurana has been my doctor since 2010. He is VERY knowledgeable, thorough, patient and kind and is not quick to suggest surgery and/or cut. K. E. Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: October 10, 2026 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/111910691993348043477/place/ChIJCTVQzX26woARV5EyXoh3nDU) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Sanjay Khurana, MD The reviewer shares their experience of care. Excerpt > I am extremely happy with the results of my surgery with Dr. Khurana. The improvements have gone beyond what I expected. S. Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: October 7, 2026 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/116947565077239646686/place/ChIJCTVQzX26woARV5EyXoh3nDU) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Sanjay Khurana, MD The reviewer shares their experience of care. [![Allyson Estess, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/allyson-estess-m-d.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/allyson-estess-md/) ## [Allyson Estess, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/allyson-estess-md/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Sports Medicine [Biography & all reviews →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/allyson-estess-md/) [Commons Clinic profile ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/allyson-estess-m-d/) Excerpt > Friendly, knowledgeable and professional, she put a stop to the excruciating pain of that night, putting me on the road to recovery. K. Aucella Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: April 27, 2026 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/105097654964400656578/place/ChIJnyoB9x5L3YAREV8eH7Wj8ZA) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Allyson Estess, MD The reviewer shares their experience of care. Excerpt > She's wonderful! She takes the time to listen, she is conservative in her assessment, doesn't seem to want to rush into surgery. A. F. Rating: 5/5 · Source: Yelp · Date: February 28, 2026 [Read review on Yelp](https://yelp.com/biz/allyson-a-estess-md-marina-del-rey?hrid=o877HQ7khuHxPL6jP1brMQ&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=biz_post_share&l=en_US) Source link type: verified permalink Attributed clinician: Allyson Estess, MD The reviewer shares their experience of care. [![Andrew Wassef, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/andrew-wassef-md.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/andrew-wassef-md/) ## [Andrew Wassef, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/andrew-wassef-md/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Joints [Biography & all reviews →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/andrew-wassef-md/) [Commons Clinic profile ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/andrew-wassef-md/) Excerpt > From the front of the office to the surgery center and all in between, it is an amazing experience. E. Montgomery Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: February 14, 2025 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/111654337443171385484/place/ChIJqeNILuQy3YAR9WA5ym3pGLU) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Andrew Wassef, MD The reviewer shares their experience of care. Excerpt > and he did an AMAZING job. SUPER easy surgery, he has a great staff around him and I felt loved even during this pandemic! A. M Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: August 21, 2020 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/112906998846864821733/place/ChIJqeNILuQy3YAR9WA5ym3pGLU) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Andrew Wassef, MD The reviewer shares their experience of care. Keep exploring ## Your next *good question.* More guidance to help you understand your options and plan your next step. Choosing your care ### [6 questions to compare treatments around your life](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/shared-decisions-treatment-options-patient-goals/) A good treatment decision connects the evidence with your life: what you hope to do, which risks concern you, and what recovery would ask of you. Your priorities belong in that discussion. [Read the guide](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/shared-decisions-treatment-options-patient-goals/) Choosing your care ### [7 questions to coordinate care before and after orthopedic treatment](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/care-coordination-before-after-orthopedic-treatment/) Good coordination turns a treatment recommendation into a plan you can follow: the right records, clear responsibilities, and someone to contact when the next step is unclear. [Read the guide](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/care-coordination-before-after-orthopedic-treatment/) Choosing your care ### [6 questions about GLP-1 medicines before anesthesia](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/glp-1-medicines-anesthesia-questions/) If you take a GLP-1 medicine, tell the anesthesia and prescribing teams early. The plan should account for the drug, dose changes, digestive symptoms, and the procedure rather than rely on a blanket stop rule. [Read the guide](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/glp-1-medicines-anesthesia-questions/) Meet the clinicians ## Explore your *next conversation.* [![Allyson Estess, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/allyson-estess-m-d.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/allyson-estess-md/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Sports Medicine ### [Allyson Estess, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/allyson-estess-md/) Marina del Rey · Torrance · Long Beach – Bixby Knolls [Meet Allyson Estess](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/allyson-estess-md/) [![Andrew Wassef, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/andrew-wassef-md.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/andrew-wassef-md/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Joints ### [Andrew Wassef, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/andrew-wassef-md/) Lakewood · Long Beach – Douglas Park [Meet Andrew Wassef](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/andrew-wassef-md/) [![Sanjay Khurana, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/sanjay-khurana-m-d.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/sanjay-khurana-md/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Spine ### [Sanjay Khurana, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/sanjay-khurana-md/) Marina del Rey · Santa Monica [Meet Sanjay Khurana](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/sanjay-khurana-md/) ## Publisher & attribution Commons Clinic Reviews is operated by Commons Clinic. 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