about your anaesthetic

Modern anaesthetics are very safe. The risks of serious consequences to you are very small. During preassessment, a thorough medical history will be taken, & if you are found to have any conditions putting you at higher risks, these will be discussed with us. Occasionally you will need a face to face interview with an anaesthetist prior to surgery, & here risks of the various anaesthetic options will be discussed & a personalised plan agreed upon.

Lots of types of surgery can be performed under spinal or nerve block anaesthetics.Some people choose to stay awake, but many prefer not to know what is going on during surgery. You can opt to have a sedative given continuously, that essentially allows you to sleep all the way through. This is often the best of both worlds. Good pain relief, whilst avoiding the side effects of general anaesthesia, but still sleeping throughout.

If choosing to stay awake, you may wish to bring your phone with some noise cancelling headphones, it's surprising how quickly the time can pass listening to some good music or an audiobook, & before you know it the operation is done & you are back on the ward.

Your preferences will be fully met at all times.

Many people aren't aware that anaesthetists are present during all of their surgery until they wake up. We continuously monitor your vital signs, give medications & assess your pain levels, amongst many other tasks. We will visit you before & after surgery to assess your comfort.  

There are lots of options for nausea after anaesthesia. Usually it is caused by the gas anaesthetics, so can be largely avoided by using intravenous anaesthesia throughout. In addition, modern anti-nausea drugs will be given.

Avoiding a general anaesthetic altogether is sometimes an option (see above), & this usually leads to much less nausea after surgery.