Frequently asked questions

Your anaesthetic is usually arranged by your surgeon, dentist or hospital when your procedure is booked, and they let Dr Aly's rooms know. If you have a question about an upcoming anaesthetic, phone the rooms on 0411 965 272 or send a general enquiry, without medical details. Dentists, surgeons and hospitals can send a referral enquiry about a list.

An anaesthetist is a specialist doctor who looks after you before, during and after your procedure. They assess your health, plan your anaesthetic or sedation with you, stay with you throughout the procedure to monitor and protect you, and plan your pain relief. Read what to expect on the day.

Yes. Your anaesthetist will review your health before a planned procedure, sometimes by phone beforehand and always in person on the day, before anything starts. For planned procedures Dr Aly usually phones you about 24 to 48 hours beforehand. It is your chance to ask questions. See preparing for anaesthesia.

Sometimes. It depends on your health, the procedure and what the surgeon or dentist needs. Your anaesthetist will explain the options that are suitable for you, with their benefits and risks, and you decide together.

Fasting reduces the chance of food or fluid from your stomach entering your lungs while you are anaesthetised or deeply sedated. Most adults can eat a light meal up to six hours before, and drink clear fluids up to two hours before, but always follow the times you are given. Read fasting before anaesthesia.

Usually yes, with a small sip of water, but some medicines need to be paused or adjusted, including blood thinners and some diabetes medicines. Never stop a medicine on your own. Read our medicines guide.

Tell your anaesthetist, surgeon or dentist as early as possible. Current Australian recommendations usually advise continuing these GLP-1 receptor agonist medicines, and you may be asked to follow a clear-fluid diet on the day before your procedure. Do not stop the medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

Phone the hospital, dental practice or your surgeon's rooms before the day. A cough, cold or fever can increase the risk of breathing problems during an anaesthetic, and it is sometimes safer to postpone.

No. After an anaesthetic or sedation you need a responsible adult to take you home, and you should not drive for at least 24 hours, or longer if you are told to. Read after your anaesthetic.

Some people do. Your anaesthetist can give medicines during the procedure to reduce nausea, especially if you have felt sick after a previous anaesthetic, so tell them about it beforehand.

Yes. Ask for a professional interpreter when your procedure is booked. The Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) is on 131 450. Dr Aly speaks English and Arabic.

Many hospitals allow one parent or carer to stay until the child is asleep. It depends on the hospital and on your child's needs. Read our information for parents and carers.

Anaesthetists usually bill separately from the surgeon or dentist and the hospital. You should receive information about the anaesthetic fee before a planned procedure. Read understanding your account.

In an emergency, such as trouble breathing, chest pain or collapse, call 000. For other concerns, contact the hospital or practice where you had your procedure, or call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 for advice from a registered nurse.