Most patients think they know what their surgery will be like. For example, they may expect to be put asleep for a procedure that only requires a local anesthetic and then be surprised that they're fully conscious the whole time. It's our job as anesthesia professionals to help them understand what they will or won't see, smell, hear or feel. But it seems like too often we fail at this, and our patients end up dissatisfied with their anesthesia experience as a result - something their surgeons, you, and their friends and family may hear about. Here's some advice on how to ensure that you meet your patients' expectations about anesthesia.