Do I need an "I.V." for surgery?

Almost all patients need an IV placed before surgery. Only on rare occasion can the IV be placed while you are “asleep”.  Some procedures in children are the exception, and an IV may not be needed (usually the case for ear tube placement). 

Within the preoperative holding area, a registered nurse or your anesthesia provider will place your IV. This can usually be done with minimal discomfort by the use of a small amount of local anesthetic at the site of IV insertion. An IV is needed for hydration purposes and is the primary route for administering medications during and after surgery.