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Phone: 203-374-1515
Fax: 203-374-4702
Billing Department: 203-916-4750

Anesthesia

At Surgery Center of Fairfield County, LLC the entire Department of Anesthesiology is comprised of Board-Certified Physician Anesthesiologists.  We have extensive experience in Anesthesia for both children and adults.  

Lawrence A. Schwartz, MD – Partner

Dr. Lawrence A. Schwartz is a graduate of the University of Rochester and Columbia University Medical School. He completed his training in anesthesiology at the University of California in San Francisco. Dr. Schwartz is the past Medical Director of Beth Israel’s Philips Ambulatory Care Center in New York City. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Anesthesiology.

Kristin Daley, MD – Partner

Dr. Kristin Daley grew up in East Brunswick, NJ and earned her undergraduate degree in Political Economy at Williams College. She graduated from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and stayed in New York City for residency training in anesthesiology at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center. She took an opportunity to practice in Charleston, SC for 7 years before returning to New England where her heart is. Kristin’s professional interests include patient safety, regional blocks for orthopedic surgery, and Pediatric anesthesia. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Anesthesiology. Dr. Daley also serves as Medical Director of Surgery Center of Fairfield County. She enjoys playing squash and tennis in her spare time.

Monica S. Ganatra, MD, MPH

Dr. Monica S. Ganatra, MD, MPH graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University. She earned her medical degree and master’s in public health at Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston. She completed her anesthesiology residency and pediatric anesthesiology fellowship at the University of Michigan. Dr. Ganatra is a Diplomate of the American Board of Anesthesiology and double board certified in both anesthesiology and pediatric anesthesiology.

Christine S. Rinder, MD

Dr. Christine S. Rinder is a graduate of Yale University and the University of Vermont College of Medicine. She received her training in anesthesiology at the Maine Medical Center where she also completed a fellowship in Cardiovascular Anesthesia. She subsequently completed a fellowship in Transfusion Medicine in the Department of Laboratory Medicine at the Yale University School of Medicine. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Anesthesiology.

Laurie A. Yonemoto, MD

Dr. Laurie A. Yonemoto is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of California at Berkeley and received her medical degree from Boston University School of Medicine. She completed her training in anesthesiology at Yale New Haven Hospital. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Anesthesiology.

W. Jeffrey Book, MD

Dr. W. Jeffrey Book is a board certified general and pediatric anesthesiologist with over 30 years of experience in both academic and private practice in New York City and Westchester County. Dr. Book has been the attending anesthesiologist on over 27,000 surgical cases that range from ambulatory surgical cases to complex organ transplants. He holds dual citizenship in Canada and the US. Dr. Book received his training in at the University of Manitoba and at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Dr. Book proudly volunteers with a medical mission in the Dominican Republic providing anesthesia care to Dominicans from the rural areas without access to medical care.

Please call 1-800-860-7226 and leave a message if you have any questions regarding your anesthesia bill.

http://www.fairfieldanesthesia.com

Preoperative Reminders

Preoperative fasting
Each patient should be given his or her own instructions. Please note that if you eat or drink when you were not supposed to, you could markedly increase the risks of anesthesia. Please follow your instructions very carefully. See sections on Anesthesia Frequently Asked Questions and preparing for Surgery.

Preoperative medications
Some medications should be taken and others should not. It is important to discuss this with your physicians. Please have a list of all your medications with you on the day of surgery.

Travel arrangements
You must make arrangements for a responsible adult to take you home after your surgery. You will not be able to drive yourself home. You may not be alone the first 24 hours.

Many patients are apprehensive about anesthesia and surgery. If you are well informed, you will be better prepared and more relaxed. Talk with your anesthesiologist and ask questions. Your anesthesiologist is your advocate and is experienced in making your surgery and recovery as safe and comfortable as possible.

What to expect

Pain relief
In addition to pain medications, we offer several nerve blocks for some types of surgery. Most blocks can be performed in the preoperative area under mild sedation and are tolerated very well. Your anesthesiologist will discuss a nerve block if one is available for your type of surgery. A nerve block or blocks are available for surgery on your shoulder, arms, hands, legs, knees, ankles. Eligible types of surgery include broken bones, shoulder surgery, tears in tendons. An injection placed under ultrasound guidance can mostly reduce or completely eliminate the pain of surgery for 8 to 24 hours. Many times, no additional pain medicine is needed in the recovery room. Nausea and vomiting risk is also reduced or eliminated. Some surgeries require that we perform a block in order to be able to do the surgery in a same day surgery center.

Preoperative Interview
Your anesthesiologist will interview you prior to the procedure. The anesthesiologist will ask questions about your medical history and review any laboratory tests that have been done. You and your anesthesiologist together will then formulate an anesthetic plan. You will discuss anesthetic choices including risks and benefits. The anesthetic plan will be tailored specifically for you by taking into account your general medical condition, the type of surgical procedure and your preferences. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss any concerns that you may have with your anesthesiologist.

In the Operating Room
In the operating room, your anesthesiologist is uniquely qualified and personally responsible for directing your anesthetic. Anesthesiologists are medical specialists who ensure your comfort and make informed medical decisions to protect you. Your physical status is closely monitored. Vital functions such as heart rate and rhythm, blood pressure, temperature and breathing are managed. The anesthesiologist will be with you throughout your procedure.

Recovery After Surgery
You will be taken to the post-anesthetic care unit, often called the recovery room. Your anesthesiologist will direct the monitoring and medications to ensure your safe recovery. Your vital functions will be closely monitored by specially trained nurses. Medications to minimize postoperative pain, nausea and vomiting are given as needed. Nausea and vomiting tend to be less of a problem today because of improved anesthetic agents and techniques although it still occurs quite often. When you are ready, you will be offered something to drink. A family member or friend may be allowed to be with you, and you will be assisted in getting up. Most patients are ready to go home between 1-2 hours after surgery. Oral and written instructions will be given. You will also be given a telephone number to call if you have any concerns when you get home. In general, for the first 24 hours after your anesthesia:

  • Do not drink alcohol or use nonprescription medication
  • Do not drive a car or operate dangerous machinery
  • Do not make important decisions
  • You may not be left alone that first day

Be prepared to go home and continue your recovery there. Patients may experience drowsiness or minor side effects such as muscle aches, sore throat, headaches and mild nausea. These usually decline rapidly in the hours following surgery.