It's 3 p.m. You're checked into the hospital for a routine
surgery, scheduled to begin in 15 minutes. This is the first
operation you've had. Lying on a small gurney, covered only by a
thin patient gown, you begin to shiver. Your heart pounds. Four
words race through your head: "Am I gonna die?" Then you meet
the operating room team. The anesthesiologist, nurse anesthetist
and operating room nurse all exude a combination of compassion
and confidence. This is just what you need. Your pulse slows,
and the shakes disappear. The surgeon and OR nurse hold each of
your hands. The anesthesiologist then injects a powerful
sedative. The last thing you hear prior to drifting off is,
"We'll take good care of you." Suddenly, you're jolted awake.
Intense, blinding lights glare into your face. You find yourself
gagging on a thick plastic tube stuck down your throat. The
lights turn away. Your eyes begin to adjust, and you see four
faces you've never seen before. The time of day you have surgery
can affect your outcome. Tha