THE ANAESTHETIC

Your surgery will determine the type of anaesthetic you will need.

Many minor operations can be done under sedation with local anaesthetic. This is a pleasant way to calm your nerves and ensure you are comfortable by numbing only the area being treated.

The side effects are very minor mainly being drowsiness or hangover feeling. Rarely your local anaesthetic may need to be supplemented during the procedure. Allergic reactions are extremely rare.

Major surgery will usually require a general anaesthetic. This technique involves receiving drugs which keep you unconscious throughout your operation. Along with this you will have a breathing tube to allow support with a ventilator and drugs and fluids to keep all your vital signs in an acceptable range.

You will receive pain relief and nausea prevention while asleep.

Each anaesthetic carries a small statistical risk of airway or breathing issues, dental injury, sore throat, cardiac events, nerve injuries or allergic reactions. In extremely rare situations these can be life threatening. These risks will be balanced against the benefits of your planned surgery.

General anaesthetics are very safe, however risks are increased with significant pre-existing medical problems. For example, with heart, vascular, breathing or kidney issues your risks may increase as all these organs are strained during major operations. Your specific risk will be discussed with you.

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