Preoperative Preparation: What an Anesthesia Resident Tells Patients Right Before Anesthesia Starts 

Back in the day, I had surgery at a pediatric hospital and I distinctly remember the anesthesiologist acting like I was about to launch into space with space monkeys. He made the oxygen mask and everything part of the story, and as he administered the anesthesia he started counting down for blast off. It was cute, but here’s the kicker… I was 16. 😂

You are definitely one of the “good ones” as far as doctors go. You’re real. You actually seem to care about your patients. Please don’t ever lose that.

I have been under general anesthesia probably 12-15 times in my life. It is my opinion that as a patient, meeting the anesthesiologist before surgery is one of the most important steps. He (or she) is the one who will guide you though the process of your surgery. The surgeon and surgical assistants might be the reason for the trip, but the anesthesiologist is the one who conducts the excursion. And meeting that person and gaining reassurance from them is terribly important. I thank you and all of the wonderful tour guides I have had for your dedication, expertise and care.

In my last surgery my anesthesiologist never said a word to me in the OR. He just talked to the others in the room about misc stuff. I felt very alone. Thanks for showing me that there is a better way to treat the patient.

An anesthesiologist once told me that they were upset because every time they met people that they fell asleep on them XD

I have had the counting backwards but what helped me the most was the anasthesiologist holding my hand, look at me in the eyes and say 'I will be right here throughout surgery'. I know it's what they do anyways but their sincerity and kindness was everything. A big thank you to all medical staff x

I’ve been under 3 times and the best thing my anesthesiologist did was pet my head and said everything was going to be ok. I was so comforted and all my worries melted away and it was the best surgery experience. I woke up in a good mood and not scared.

I remember my first surgery (I had JUST turned 17). My face/jaw was broken into about 11 different pieces (don't fall off cliffs, kids). When the anesthesiologist came in, she asked how I was feeling and if I'd ever had surgery before. I gave her the so/so hand wave because I was nervous, but my face was getting fixed, so I was excited! I showed her it was my first surgery. She had on Marvel scrubs, and I excitedly pointed to her scrubs and gave her a thumbs up. She asked if I liked Marvel, and I gave even more thumbs up. She explained everything using Marvel analogies, which I loved! When she asked what music I liked, I wrote down AC/DC on the whiteboard, and they had that playing as I was transported into the OR. Absolutely my favorite doctor! (edit regarding the "things to tell nervous / pediatric patients") - some of my other anesthesiologists have explained that it's safer than driving a car or flying a plane - one anesthesiologist joked, "you survived falling off the cliff, the car ride, and the ambulance ride, so it appears the odds are in your favor!" I've appreciated explanations of what is happening, like "I'm going to do this, and it will do this...." or "You'll feel/smell/hear this when..." or using analogies / references to a favorite movie or TV show to explain what everything is. I'd say my anesthesiologist at my first surgery did an excellent job of being friendly, being interested in how I was doing, and also making everything understandable so it was less unknown and scary.

The most important thing my anesthesiologist did for me was hold my hand and tell me I was going to be okay. He was going to make things go as smoothly as possible. Your explanation of the overall process has been extremely helpful for the three surgeries I have had this year.

When they wake up from surgery, tell them “it’s a boy”

Best experience is when the doctor came in and he was real happy and said I'm your mixologist today and it free pour for you ma'am. He had me laughing all the way to the OR. Out of my many surgeries that was the best experience , I went under laughing.

I am the nervous patient. Best thing to do for me is keep talking and explain what’s happening to me. Knowing what’s happening helps with the anxiety 😀

Dr. Feinstein did my anesthesia a while back... He was excellent! Didn’t know he had a channel till I searched his name.

I love this guy. I am a medical malpractice attorney in MInnesota and I found extreme value in the videos. I would totally want Dr. Max to be my anesthesiologist, if the need ever resulted. My wife just had a surgical procedure and because of Max's info, I totally tracked what my wife's anesthesiologist said. I think he was shocked beyond belief when I asked if he is going to pre-oxygenate my wife. Thank you Max.

I remember every single thing from the moment I woke up in the OR (after surgery) and hearing someone say "heart function normal" (so relieved to hear that) and then someone telling me your bff is waiting for you outside the recovery room. I still remember all of that.

Had my first surgery a little over a month ago. I was so nervous, but the anesthesiologist I had was super nice and explained what she'd be doing for me clearly. She gave me medicine to help me relax and even gave me some nausea medicine even though I said that I normally don't suffer from any sort of motion sickness as sort of a just in case thing, which I'm glad she did, I was a bit queezy when I woke up, it could have been a lot worse without it. They even put a lavender scented sticker on my gown so I could enjoy that scent before and after going under. Passed out after a few breaths from the oxygen mask, I don't think they even had the chance to put other sensors on me aside from the finger one before I passed out. Lol, thanks to them my experience wasn't so bad and that's saying something when it comes from someone whom is always scared/ nervous of just BEING in a hospital, whether they're a patient or not. Shout out to the doctors/ nurses that helped me through it! 😘😘

Just went under anesthesia this morning, first time going under in 22 years for a ruptured Achilles. Honestly it happened so fast I don’t remember feeling dizzy or anything. I remember talking with a nurse about trying to snag a teaching spot with the oxygen mask on for this upcoming school year (after I hopped over to the surgical table) then honest to God I was waking up in the recovery room it was amazing. Before I even realized it was starting it was over, and the sleep was extremely peaceful. Extremely impressed with how I was taken care of at Minnesota Valley Surgery this morning g , and I want this comment to rest anyone who might be nervous to be receiving anesthesia!

6:20 “You can knock yourself out!” That was genius.

I had surgery in a small hospital and woke up feeling like I was floating on a cloud. The next surgery was in a major city and I had to fight to wake up, which seemed to go on forever. It was a horrible experience, so I will definitely be talking to bring this up next Monday!

Never lose your caring, honesty and being authentic. I'm impressed! Thank You❤️

the best experience i had when i was little, was when they put a mask onto my teddy and everything that was done to me was done to my bear. It was a great distraction. After surgery my bear had a dressing like mine.too. I was around 6 years old and at 47 i still have lovely memories of having surgery.

Five years ago I had emergency surgery, as they wheeled me into the hall to the surgery door I asked for 5 minutes, to get a few things straightened out in case I didn't make it. They said ok, and I was saying I was sorry for this and that.....and I was out. In recovery, people around me were laughing..... waking up I was still babbling about this and that. Next day when my surgen came in he was smiling from ear to ear. "I really wanted to stay and hear the rest of what happened in the back seat of Jimmy's car, but I got called away". "You went in confessing, and you woke up confessing......Bobbie, you were a busy girl" he giggled.

My anesthesiologist during my gallbladder surgery held and stroked the top of my hand when I started tearing up just before surgery. It comforted me so much and I was so grateful for it.

I go into surgery in 8hrs and while I can’t bare to think about my actual spine surgery. Your video really helped me focus on the less nerve inducing anesthesia portion. Thank you ❤

Finally, a RU-vid video that explains what I want to know!

I am terrified of getting anesthesia, and this showed up in my recommendations somehow. Hearing about how it works, what fail-safes there are, makes it somewhat less scary. You've got yourself a new subscriber.

You're phenominal, caring, funny, real. I hope you never change.

I just had my first general anesthesia experience last week and I came to this channel to try to reduce my stress. It worked, because understanding things makes me less nervous. As for the patient type, I think I was the talkative kind. After they gave me the first light sedative, I started chatting with a nurse who happened to be from Zimbabwe. I remember asking her a million questions. Too bad I don't remember any of the answers, because I would have been an expert at everything about Zimbabwe. I hope she didn't find me too annoying!

I have chronic kidney stones and have had surgery dozens of times. Two summers ago I had general anesthesia 4 times in 48 days. Years ago I had a really bad experience being induced into anesthesia. No one's fault, the staff handled it well, but I now panic with surgery. It usually starts in preop with severe anxiety which turns into panic most often as soon as I see the OR, mid transfer to the table, or when the mask gets near my face. I start sobbing and/or hyperventilating, I have tried to climb off the stretcher/table a couple of times. It's bad. The main thing that has helped has been amazing OR staff. This is all documented in my chart along with what has helped/worked. Not only do they allow me to bring a stuffed animal in with me to hold and keep my hands and mind busy, they will ask and make sure I have one. They pre-medicate in pre op so that I'm very relaxed and half the time don't remember even seeing the OR. I've had anesthesiologists ask my stuffed animals names and make them their own wrist bands (silly for an adult but it made me laugh. Would probably be great for a kid) The biggest thing is that I have felt heard and seen. They have asked me whether I want to hold the mask or have them do it, they have asked about timing for the arm boards and straps. I also haven't felt judged or like a "difficult patient" Sorry this is long winded. You seem like a great doctor with a lot of heart and compassion for the work and especially for the patients. Thank you for being one of the good ones.

I had surgery a couple years ago. Although it wasn't the first surgery I'd ever had, it was one of those situations where nobody was 100% sure what exactly needed to be done until they got inside and saw what was going on. So being nervous for the outcome, during the few seconds between administering the anesthesia and going under, I looked at the medical staff and said, "Don't f*** it up." Imagine my embarrassment when I woke up and my doctor informed me of what happened.

I had to have my first surgery when I was 12 years old, and it was for a 7 hour brain surgery (at the time I didn't realize how big of a deal it was). I remembered seeing signs during presurgical testing that said you could have one parent go into the OR with you until you were asleep as part of the Child Life program. That made such a huge difference for me, even though I didn't remember any of it afterward.

You are such a great conversationalist and so approachable. You inspire confidence. Things I've heard you say track exactly with my experiences in some recent surgeries I've had. Your patients are lucky to have you.

I actually remember hearing the nurse anesthetist telling me “wake up, the surgery is over, we’re taking you to recovery”, the next thing I know I’m waking up in recovery. I also remember asking the recovery nurse for a little anti-nausea medicine, and she told me, “oh we gave it to you 15 minutes ago when you asked”. Lol. Trippy stuff, time moves fast.

I'm having major surgery in a couple of weeks and this video really helped me feel more relaxed. Thank you!

Super helpful. You’ve made the concerning/confusing Part of surgery much more understandable!

I enjoy your videos so much. As a very young girl I suffered a severe break in my arm. Upon reaching the hospital I was quickly rolled into a cold, sterile room with a huge light above my head..."Where am I? was my thought. Not one member of the medical staff explained what was about to take place. A nurse placed a horrible smelling mask over my face. It was ether. I felt as if I were smothering. I fought that mask until I went under. I was terrified. The truma I suffered from that experience has lasted a lifetime, requiring therapy to overcome my fears. If someone in that OR has just taken time to explain what I was experiencing, I believe I would have advoided my life long fears. I appreciate that you do explain to your patient what you are doing and what they can expect. From my own experience I know it is important to understand what is happening by someone who cares enough to make you feel secure. You are a skilled doctor, a kind doctor, and I wish you continued success in your career.

Just had surgery the anesthesia guy was Russian. He acted like he was interrogating me. Commander, in a heavy Russia accent, I busted out so hard. He had to put me to sleep.laughing

I was really anxious so my anesthesiologist came in and said he was giving me a pre dinner cocktail that cracked me up and made me less nervous

I really appreciate your videos. I have to have surgery (dental surgery, my gag reflex was too severe for conscious sedation), and I’ve been nervous about the general anesthesia! Your videos have eased my mind a lot!

Evidently I proposed to everyone in post op, including my post op pain pump. It was my first surgery after 27 years as a Paramedic/Firefighter. I did love my intubation rotations in surgery with the anesthesiologists, as l learned a lot. 🙂

Thanks!!! I especially like when the Anesthesiologist is funny and kind. Joking really makes it a wonderful experience!

I'm amazed how well you can manage your time to be able to make these great quality videos for us.

I got hold of a book about anesthesia once and was amazed at the minutely fine accuracy you need about the patient’s physiology and awareness of their individual concerns in administering the drugs. So much to account for simultaneously! Maybe more complex than playing a Bach fugue with multiple keyboards on a church organ!

I am having back surgery this week. I have been watching your videos for the last month and they are so helpful. You do a great job of explaining what is going on and this has helped considerably. Thank you.

Anesthesia has always been my favorite part when it came to having a surgery done. The Anesthesiologist has the magic power to make you fall asleep and make all your worries about the surgery go away 😁, they're all awesome!

“Let me know when your asleep” “That’s not the first time you used that joke” BHahahahaha! That’s amazing.

This has been helpful to me as I am having a tumour removed from under my tongue in a few days and I have been nervous about it. I am elderly with heart problems and emphysema so I was very worried about having anaesthesia this time. These videos have helped me to trust that the doctor will be keeping a close check on me the whole time I am under.

My brother is an anesthesiologist! It’s really incredible what you guys do! I’m so proud of him! He’s been doing this for 30 years! Just incredible! Thank you for sharing.

Fellow anesthesiologist from Brazil here. The best induction I’ve ever had was with a neurologically impaired 10 yo girl. I also use music to give patients some comfort and when I randomly chose an online rock station it was playing Joan Jett’s I Love Rock’n’roll. The girl, who was already on some sevoflurane, shouted out loud that it was her favorite song and went to sleep while singing along. Years later I still feel emotional about that day.

When I was 10 I had a second operation on my hip. The doctor called the Anesthesia a space ride and had me count back from 10, last thing I remember was his face warping over the bed say 5 really slow motion like and then chuckling. A day before the doctor asked what kinda music I like but both me and my mother were lost as to why. When they wheeled me into the operation room the beach boys was blasting loud and everyone was in a Hawaiian shirt and Hawaiian flower necklace things.

I had surgery today. I guess I had a panic attack going from bed to table. Anxiety was the last thing I remember hearing mentioned. Giving the fact that this video produce a panic attack solidified it so you are really really good and efficient at storytime...great job.

Hi Max. You did my nerve block before my shoulder replacement by Dr. "L.G." a few years ago. Didn't feel a thing. And I liked the portable block you gave me to take home. It made my recovery much easier.

Hilarious. Especially the talkers. I’m a nurse and I love the talkers because you can just do your job and focus, as long as you throw in an occasional “really?”.....”wow”.

The internet is so powerful. It’s such a privilege to be able to watch your videos Dr. Feinstein. The amount of information you are able to give prospective students is incredible. I’m a sophomore in college, but I hope to some day be in your shoes. Again, thanks so much for these videos and the insight into your life!

Great video! Had surgery multiple times and I'm DEFINITELY one of the nervous patients every time. Nobody ever put on music, but one asked me to describe where I would like to go on vacation (I said 'Sudan' bc my then-bf did a stint with the international red cross - 'that's nice' he said unfazed and I dozed off) . I've asked one other to talk me through what they were doing, which I find really helpful. Honestly, just a few nice words, a brief calm conversation, and even brief touch (some touched me gently on the arms or wrists to calm me down) have been really effective.

My nurse anesthetist happened to be an acquaintance who had kids at the same preschool. We laughed so hard about it, what are the odds? Anyway, she was incredible. She could tell I was nervous, and she put something in my IV bag that she called the “happy stuff.” I relaxed immediately, and she kept asking questions about the upcoming school field trip on the way to the room. That’s the last thing I remember, after that, I woke up. It was very helpful because I had never gone under full anesthesia and I was afraid. Very helpful when the practitioner acts like it’s not a big deal.

i had a lot of general anaesthesia procedures done as a kid, my favourite thing between the ages of seven to seventeen was the guys that talked to me a lot, asked me to imagine my favourite most comforting place or cracked heaps of dad jokes. Always helped me be comfortable + the anaesthesiologist and nurses that let me hold their hand and say see you soon on the way out so I knew I was always safe

Bravo! My dear Dad was a graduate of the University of Louisville in 1920 and was, therefore, a surgeon and an MD. He practiced surgery for 20 years before antibiotics came out and when we were chatting at his death bed he proclaimed the antibiotics to be the greatest thing of his life! His stories of having parents assist with the administration of ether haunt me as it did not always go well. Thanks for your videos and thanks for sharing and the very best of luck to you!!

I really appreciated my anesthesiologist, I was having a full blown panic attack well I was brought down, but was unable to take my normal panic medication before hand. Was super calm super fast and explained everything that was happening even though I was really not in a state to understand, I also vaguely remember being shown pictures of someone’s dog though I’m not sure if that was the anesthesiologist or the nurses.

I had surgery when I was 14 and the anesthesiologist gave me something to calm me down and then told me a silly pun I’d definitely heard before and the last thing I remember was hysterically laughing. That was a good way to be put under.

I've literally had over 30 surgeries and because of my PTSD, Versed is like a miracle drug to me. I'm 23 and still have to request Versed and make absolute certain they remember it.

MUCH RESPECT TO ANESTHESIOLOGIST, THANK-YOU SO MUCH !!

So interesting, as I've just had surgery. What a lovely young Docter you are. Keep up the good work.

Nice video. Recently had an outpatient procedure. I've had quite a few ops in my life, but the nervousness never goes away. Anyway, this last time, the anesthesiologist was cool, friendly and really tried to put me at ease. Right before the propofol took effect, I asked.. "A little singing and dancing, maybe?" to help calm me down. He did it! It's the little things.

Just stay with the kids. I was 7 and left alone in a white room with metal instruments everywhere pre-surgery. Felt like hours. It was probably around 15 or 20 minutes in reality but I was so scared.

Great explanation from a doctor that understands how to talk to his patients. Love the funny film.

I have been under 6 times and every experience has been different. Some were just ok and some were great..the great ones were when my anesthesiologist talked to me a lot and explained every step of the process! You are definitely on the right track!

as an adult who is 2 months away from getting major heart surgery I just want to say.... I really want the bubble gum oxygen mask!!! Great video, helped calm some of my nerves and learn something, keep up the awesome work Max!!! Health Care Workers are Heroes!!!!

I had sinus surgery a year ago and my anestheologist and all the nurses were the kindest group of people I ever met during my surgeries. I wasn't nervous at all and I was the talkative patient. We talked about life, food, my career and since I'm a scientific translator who wants to specialize in medicine I was asking lots of questions and paying attention to everything this kind man was doing. I remember him saying: "well, Erika, I'll see you in a bit...bye bye, good night, sleep tight!" And just like that, in a blink of an eye he was welcoming me back with enthusiasm and happiness. I woke up with a smile. We need more people like him! He even came to check how I was doing when I was in the recovery room. Having had a PTSD after my last surgery, him being that nice made my day 💜

Great video, Dr Max! I’ve been “under” many times! Recently as two weeks ago for shoulder surgery. Love a talkative anesthesiologist!

I'm watching this two years later...I'm praying you are still the same sweet guy as in the video! The world needs more doctors like you. I've had my fair share of the opposite 😖

Surgeries that require general anesthesia are always a little nerve wracking for me even though I've had many of them in my lifetime. One of the last surgeries I had, they were having a hard time finding an anesthesiologist who hadn't already worked a full shift. This delayed my surgery by several hours, and when they finally did find an anesthesiologist who was okay to work, he came in the pre-op area to meet me, and I remember sitting up and asking him, "Are you sure you are alert and okay to do this?" He smiled and assured me he was well rested and ready to go. Kind of scarym thinking that an exhausted, overtired doctor might be administering your anesthesia.

When asked what music I would like to listen to I am going to answer "Knockin On Heavens Door."

This is so great!! I have surgery next week and wish I had you as my anesthesiologist 😄 Great video!

Great videos keep them coming. You seem very real and actually have bed side manner. I'm about to have a partial knee replacement and of course nervous about the entire process. However I had surgery same knee Dec 2020 and everything went smooth. Just freaky going under 😅

I love all these videos ... especially the detail and humour injected into them. Thank you for taking the time out from an incredibly demanding career, to educate those who want to know. It's a true kindness. 🙂

I remember one time I went in for a procedure and met this lady anesthesiologist - and let me tell you, she was a real knockout!

Good on you for this very informative video. The whole process of losing control was very anxiety inducing for me. My anesthesiologist said to me "you have absolute control here, and if you don't want surgery, you don't have to have it." When he framed it like that, I realized that I was being overly nervous for no good reason. I relaxed, had a very good outcome.

I’m going under GA for the first time in a few weeks. I’ve had sedation many times but i’m very nervous for this especially because they will be planting a pillcam through an endoscope, knowing I will have lots of tubes in my throat scares me, but this has made me feel a little more at ease! Thank you!

Well done! This is really fascinating stuff. And so well commentated. Great patient rapport! Excellent attitude, and I think you will go a long way! Who wouldn't want to be given anesthesia by you?!

My son had hernia surgery at 11 months (in Germany). I was allowed to be with him up through induction. They went through everything that was going to happen but "neglected" to tell me that in infants, the arms and legs shoot out rigid when they fall under. It was a pediatric hospital so I'm sure they say that 100x per day and just forgot with me but it was not a fun sight to see. And I can still see it vividly now, 26 years and one 6ft healthy son later!

Great introduction to the “other side”! Hope you will plan on practicing anesthesia after you complete your training, I have heard some prefer to take on more of a supervisors role and rarely see a patient except to pre-op. Good luck!

I have had many surgeries and have watched a lot of your videos and just want to say I can only hope to have someone as good and caring as you when I have surgery.

I've always remembered waking up in the OR, with my name being called. Would fall back asleep and go to recovery, but it sucks that they never let me sleep in recovery, always telling me to wake up :(

I’m the really talkative person. I was smiling and having a great time learning this.

Great video. You explain things well & really care about what you’re doing.

I enjoyed this episode very much. Thank you Dr.Feinstein

After waking up from propofol, I can tell you that you CAN form new memories almost immediately after waking up. You should not assume that patients are going to forget what they hear. Also, and this is important, you need to tell the patient if they had any problems. After going out one time, I had a sore jaw (i couldn't figure out) for about a week after surgery. When I mentioned this to a medical professional later, she said that someone probably saved my life during the procedure. It would be nice to know if I have problems so I can inform the next guy to watch out....

Its nice to hear about what goes on before surgery. I've have had some surgeries, but each time I get anxious till this day going under Anesthesia. This is very informative and reassuring about Anesthesia. Ty for sharing this.So Educational 👍😊

this was great! bless you!

I been in a number of surgeries and I have to remember to say" I will let you know when I go to sleep". I am an engineer and usually very interested in the OR and the tools in it. I have a couple of Robot surgeries and I always ask to see it. It is amazing how far medicine has came in my 70 years. Love you talks about Anesthesia. I usually remember leaving the OR and going down hallways to recovery rooms. I seem to wake up quickly.

Well done Dr. My grandfather was a surgeon so I grew up around medicine. His plan was for me to follow in his footsteps, but I joined the military then after went into paramedicine then forensics as a PA. But I digress. I have had surgery and my anesthesiologist never went as in-depth as you do. You have an awesome bedside manner and truly care about your patients. Keep up the awesome work.

Awesome job you really helped understand that anesthesia isn’t that scary. Love your positive energy and sense of humor.

I had to have general anesthesia twice in two days last week unfortunately, but I bounced back so quickly thankfully! The staff and Dr.s made all the difference. And positive mindset! Grateful for doctors who truly care ♥

so interesting . wish i had seen video prior to my TKR. I was a cot case with worry. nice to know we are all looked after. your videos are brilliant Dr ...

When I was a kid, I’d have taken that “tell me once your asleep” thing DEAD serious lol.

This video was great reminder of what I will go through next month. I have Osteogenesis Imperfecta and have had many surgeries but it’s always good to review.

I have had several situations ( mainly MRIs) where they used General anesthesia (GA) and propofol. All this info is 100% true. I would sometimes get nervous, even though I had been through it several times before. But the pediatric team did the best to make me feel more comfortable. They would also crack jokes with me, just so I would feel comfortable.

These videos are awesome. They really reduced my anxiety. Thank you so much.

I have an upcoming hysterectomy. These videos have been great. Its actually sparked an interest in me wanting to know more and maybe auditing a university class on the subject. Thank you.