Dr. Ernesto Pretto jr.
Anesthesiology
Miami, FL
46 years experience male
Locations
Office
Miami, FL
University of Miami Medical Group
Miami, FL
Office
Miami, FL
Miami Transplant Institute
Miami, FL
About
Bio
Ernesto
A. Pretto, Jr. M.D.,
M.P.H . (Epidemiology) is
Professor of Clinical Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine/University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of
Medicine and Jackson Memorial Hospital and Parrish Medical Center, Titusville FL.
He
is a Board Certified Anesthesiologist with Special Qualifications in Critical
Care Medicine. He completed residency training in Anesthesiology with Cardiac Anesthesia Fellowship at the Albert
Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University,
SpecialtiesDoctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Doctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Anesthesiology
Critical Care
Public Health
Licenses
United States: Florida
Doctor Q&A
79 Answers
16 Agrees
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A 36-year-old member asked:

Dr. Ernesto Pretto jr.answered
Anesthesiology 46 years experience
You Don't: Inhalation of nitrous oxide (n2o) or laughing gas does not induce sleep. It is a mild analgesic that is used together with other anesthetics agents to... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:

Dr. Ernesto Pretto jr.answered
Anesthesiology 46 years experience
Depends: Some general anesthetics increase the risk of post operative nausea and vomiting (ponv). For the most part anesthetic gases such as isoflurane, sevofl... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:

Dr. Ernesto Pretto jr.answered
Anesthesiology 46 years experience
Depends: The treatment for complications of epidural anesthesia will depend on the nature of the complication. For example, the most common complication is a p... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:

Dr. Ernesto Pretto jr.answered
Anesthesiology 46 years experience
Yes but...: Anesthesia is usually not administered to fill cavities unless your child is uncooperative or terrified. In order to be safe, the type of anesthesia c... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:

Dr. Ernesto Pretto jr.answered
Anesthesiology 46 years experience
Not advisable: If you do not want to risk experiencing pain during the surgical procedure it is best to have a general anesthetic for breast lift surgery. An altern... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 48-year-old female asked:

Dr. Ernesto Pretto jr.answered
Anesthesiology 46 years experience
PONV: Post operative nausea and vomiting (ponv) is a frequent ocurrence after surgery and anesthesia. You should get to know your anesthesia doctor and info... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:

Dr. Ernesto Pretto jr.answered
Anesthesiology 46 years experience
Very rarely: Today anesthesia is among the safest specialties in medicine with a mortality rate directly related to the anesthesia itself approaching 1in 200, 000 ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 28-year-old male asked:

Dr. Ernesto Pretto jr.answered
Anesthesiology 46 years experience
Loss of sensation: General anesthesia is a reversible state of suspended animation characterized by amnesia (loss of memory), analgesia (loss of pain sensation) and loss... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:

Dr. Ernesto Pretto jr.answered
Anesthesiology 46 years experience
1-3 hours: Depending on the type of local anesthetic used and the dose, the average recovery time is 1-2 hours.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:

Dr. Ernesto Pretto jr.answered
Anesthesiology 46 years experience
Not unpleasant: In expert hands the experience can be pleasant. You should get to know your anesthesia doctor.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:

Dr. Ernesto Pretto jr.answered
Anesthesiology 46 years experience
Yes/No: There are two types of anesthesia providers in the usa, anesthesia doctors and anesthesia nurses or certified registered nurse anesthetist (crna). The... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old female asked:

Dr. Ernesto Pretto jr.answered
Anesthesiology 46 years experience
YES: Hydrocodone is a narcotic and should never be taken without a prescription. As a general rule, when experiencing pain always try a non-narcotic pain m... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 21-year-old member asked:

Dr. Ernesto Pretto jr.answered
Anesthesiology 46 years experience
Specify: You must specify the type of operation before an opinion on the duration of convalescence can be given.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:

Dr. Ernesto Pretto jr.answered
Anesthesiology 46 years experience
Via Injection: Local anesthetics are administered via injection, also called infiltration.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:

Dr. Ernesto Pretto jr.answered
Anesthesiology 46 years experience
Yes: Repeat exposure to nitrous oxide can lead to serious health consequences, including vitamin B12 deficiency resulting in neurological deficits. In fact... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old female asked:

Dr. Ernesto Pretto jr.answered
Anesthesiology 46 years experience
Adversely: Nitrous oxide (n2o) is an anesthetic gas administered in the course of general anesthesia and for dental anesthesia . It is an odorless, colorless gas... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:

Dr. Ernesto Pretto jr.answered
Anesthesiology 46 years experience
Yes: If you or a family member have a history of anesthesia complications or allergies it is prudent to arrange a preoperative visit with your anesthesia d... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:

Dr. Ernesto Pretto jr.answered
Anesthesiology 46 years experience
Yes: Usually, an epidural anesthetic is given for the alleviation of sciatic pain or sciatica. In expert hands epidural anesthesia is a safe procedure. Ane... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:

Dr. Ernesto Pretto jr.answered
Anesthesiology 46 years experience
Yes: Depending on a persons age, type of anesthesia administered and duration of anesthesia, some patients may experience short term amnesia, memory loss o... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:

Dr. Ernesto Pretto jr.answered
Anesthesiology 46 years experience
Not necessarily: You can have either local anesthesia with sedation or a single shot regional block anesthesia, usually axillary nerve block.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:

Dr. Ernesto Pretto jr.answered
Anesthesiology 46 years experience
Its possible: Methadone will potentiate the effects of general anesthesia and will increase the risk of respiratory depression after anesthesia surgery.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:

Dr. Ernesto Pretto jr.answered
Anesthesiology 46 years experience
Rare: A fracture during manipulation of the shoulder to treat dislocation is a known albeit infrequent complication of this procedure.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:

Dr. Ernesto Pretto jr.answered
Anesthesiology 46 years experience
No: Today anesthesia is among the safest specialties in medicine, with deaths related to anesthesia approaching less than 1 in 200, 000 anesthetics. This ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years agoMerged
A 48-year-old member asked:

Dr. Ernesto Pretto jr.answered
Anesthesiology 46 years experience
No: The presence of a lower back tattoo will not prevent you from getting an epidural or cause any complications, such as infection. Neither will it inter... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old male asked:

Dr. Ernesto Pretto jr.answered
Anesthesiology 46 years experience
Be: Be aware of your posture at all times, don't bend over, sit or stand for extended periods of time.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:

Dr. Ernesto Pretto jr.answered
Anesthesiology 46 years experience
Level/consciousness: What differentiates sedation from general anesthesia is level of consciousness with spontaneous breathing. The levels of sedation are: 1) light (awake... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 28-year-old female asked:

Dr. Ernesto Pretto jr.answered
Anesthesiology 46 years experience
Both are the same: General anesthesia combines both intravenous and inhaled anesthetics. All anesthetics will have reversible effects on heart function. The physician an... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
892 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 29-year-old member asked:

Dr. Ernesto Pretto jr.answered
Anesthesiology 46 years experience
Safe: There is always a risk with surgery and anesthesia. However, a children's hospital with anesthesiologists on staff who have received special training ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:

Dr. Ernesto Pretto jr.answered
Anesthesiology 46 years experience
General: General anesthesia entails a combination of medications such as Midazolam for amnesia/sedation, a sleep medication or 'induction' agent (i.e. Propfol... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 36-year-old male asked:

Dr. Ernesto Pretto jr.answered
Anesthesiology 46 years experience
If: If you are right handed, try using your left hand to perform simple tasks, and vice-versa.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:

Dr. Ernesto Pretto jr.answered
Anesthesiology 46 years experience
I.v. sedation: The best course of action is to discuss the anesthesia plan with your anesthesia doctor prior to surgery. Wisdom tooth extraction can be done safely a... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:

Dr. Ernesto Pretto jr.answered
Anesthesiology 46 years experience
General Anesthesia: Anesthesia is technically not a therapy in that anesthesia is only used to facilitate pain free surgery. For a repair of a lower lumbar herniated disc... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:

Dr. Ernesto Pretto jr.answered
Anesthesiology 46 years experience
Incorrect: There are no changes in stomach function after anesthesia. What is important, however, is that you abstain from food or drink for at least 8-12 hours ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:

Dr. Ernesto Pretto jr.answered
Anesthesiology 46 years experience
Maybe: There are three main types of anesthesia for knee surgery: general, regional or neuroaxial. For regional anesthesia you may be given either a nerve bl... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 18-year-old female asked:

Dr. Ernesto Pretto jr.answered
Anesthesiology 46 years experience
Not advisable: It is not advisable to use any mood altering medications prior to surgery and anesthesia. Xanax (alprazolam) and other anti-anxiety or sedative medica... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 27-year-old member asked:

Dr. Ernesto Pretto jr.answered
Anesthesiology 46 years experience
PONV: The most common side effects are post operative nausea and vomiting (ponv), sore throat, muscle aches and pains, and confusion disorientation and post... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:

Dr. Ernesto Pretto jr.answered
Anesthesiology 46 years experience
General anesthesia : In the vast majority of cases when an infant requires surgery the anesthesia administered is general anesthesia by inhalation. After monitors are atta... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:

Dr. Ernesto Pretto jr.answered
Anesthesiology 46 years experience
Wrong question: If you received a local anesthetic for extraction of wisdom teeth, you will be numb for 1-2 hours afterwards. General anesthesia (going to sleep) is ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A female asked:

Dr. Ernesto Pretto jr.answered
Anesthesiology 46 years experience
Yes: Height is a genetic and environmentally determined characteristic of human beings. Proper sleep, exercise and nutrition may have a positive effect on ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:

Dr. Ernesto Pretto jr.answered
Anesthesiology 46 years experience
No: It is advisable to seek medical attention when experiencing even mild symptoms of shortness of breath or wheezing (asthma), prior to having elective s... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:

Dr. Ernesto Pretto jr.answered
Anesthesiology 46 years experience
Yes: However, the common side effects of general anesthesia include nausea and vomiting, headache, soreness of the throat, and muscle aches. In the majorit... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:

Dr. Ernesto Pretto jr.answered
Anesthesiology 46 years experience
No: Cerebral palsy and other neurological conditions may decrease the requirement for anesthesia. However, the best approach is to schedule a preoperative... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:

Dr. Ernesto Pretto jr.answered
Anesthesiology 46 years experience
Depends: Patients with emphysema should have their pulmonary function thoroughly evaluated. This includes a history and physical and pulmonary function tests w... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 27-year-old male asked:

Dr. Ernesto Pretto jr.answered
Anesthesiology 46 years experience
Anxiety/Stress/Pain: Please consult your physician. Your symptoms may be due to a variety of conditions such as anxiety, stress, pain, or combinations thereof, each of wh... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old female asked:

Dr. Ernesto Pretto jr.answered
Anesthesiology 46 years experience
Synergism: As a general rule you should always try a non-narcotic analgesic first (i.e. Advil) when experiencing pain, even if the doctor has prescribed a narcot... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old female asked:

Dr. Ernesto Pretto jr.answered
Anesthesiology 46 years experience
Yes: Pseudocholinesterase deficiency is a genetic condition affecting the body's ability to get rid of succinylcholine (sux), a muscle relaxant commonly us... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:

Dr. Ernesto Pretto jr.answered
Anesthesiology 46 years experience
Analgesia: If the broken bone is amenable to a 'closed reduction' then analgesia (pain medication) alone may suffice. If open reduction with internal fixation is... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 29-year-old female asked:

Dr. Ernesto Pretto jr.answered
Anesthesiology 46 years experience
NO!: Oxycodone is a potent narcotic with serious side effects, especially when used with alcohol or other sedatives. It is not advisable to take any narcot... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:

Dr. Ernesto Pretto jr.answered
Anesthesiology 46 years experience
Local Anesthetics: Local anesthetics are the most commonly used drugs for spinal and epidural anesthesia. You should consult with your anesthesia doctor about the choice... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 49-year-old member asked:

Dr. Ernesto Pretto jr.answered
Anesthesiology 46 years experience
Consult: Please consult your physician to obtain clear instructions on side effects and when to take your medications. Your health status, such as heart diseas... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
TestimonialsRecommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
Recommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
3
Recommendations
145
Thank you notes
Aug 24, 2013
Superb, precise, recommend highly.
HealthTap member
Mar 30, 2015
Dr. Pretto is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
Mar 31, 2015
Dr. Pretto is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer was very helpful! Thank you for the candid answer. I just had a pft with FEV of 27
HealthTap member
Thanks. I need to make an informed decision and this helps immensely
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer was very helpful!
Education & Training
Medical/Graduate school
University of Pittsburgh
Graduated 1995MD
Medical/Graduate school
University of Panama Faculty of Medicine
Graduated 1977MD
Residency
JACOBI MEDICAL CENTER
Completed 1982
Awards
Young Investigator, Society of Critical Care Medicine
In-Training, Society of Critical Care Medicine
Provisional Patent United States Patent and Trademark Office: Stable emulsions of volatile general anesthetics
Affiliations
Society of Critical Care Medicine
World Association of Disaster and Emergency Medicine
American Society of Anesthesiologists
Publications
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