ANAESTHESIA
Your anaesthetic
Your anaesthetic is planned specifically for you, taking into account your health, the procedure you are having and your individual needs.
There are several ways anaesthesia can be provided. You may have a general anaesthetic, sedation, local or regional anaesthesia, or a combination of these techniques.
Before your procedure, I will discuss the planned anaesthetic with you and give you an opportunity to ask questions.
Types of anaesthesia
There are several types of anaesthesia, and more than one technique may be used during the same procedure. The most appropriate approach depends on your procedure, your health and individual circumstances. I will discuss the planned anaesthetic with you before your procedure.
Anaesthetic techniques are often combined
These types of anaesthesia are not mutually exclusive. For example, a general anaesthetic may be combined with a nerve block or local anaesthetic to provide additional pain relief. I will discuss the proposed anaesthetic plan with you before your procedure.
General anaesthesia is a carefully controlled state of unconsciousness.
During a general anaesthetic, you are unconscious and unaware of the procedure. Anaesthetic medications are given and adjusted throughout the procedure to keep you unconscious and comfortable.
Your breathing, circulation and other vital functions are continuously monitored and managed throughout the anaesthetic.
At the end of the procedure, the anaesthetic medications are reduced or stopped and you will usually wake in the recovery area.
Sedation uses medications to help you feel relaxed and comfortable during a procedure.
Sedation can range from light to deep. With lighter sedation, you may remain awake and able to respond. With deeper sedation, you will be less aware of what is happening and may have little or no memory of the procedure.
Sedation is different from general anaesthesia because you are not necessarily completely unconscious.
Your breathing, circulation and level of sedation are monitored throughout the procedure.
Regional anaesthesia uses local anaesthetic to numb a larger area of your body.
Local anaesthetic is placed around particular nerves or near the spinal cord to temporarily block sensation from part of the body. Examples include spinal and epidural anaesthesia, and nerve blocks used for operations on an arm or leg.
The affected area may feel warm, numb or heavy and may be temporarily difficult to move.
Regional anaesthesia may be used on its own or combined with sedation or general anaesthesia. Some regional techniques can also provide pain relief for several hours after your procedure.
Local anaesthesia numbs a specific area of the body.
Local anaesthetic is given close to the area being treated and temporarily blocks sensation from that area. You usually remain awake when local anaesthesia is used by itself.
For some procedures, local anaesthesia may be combined with sedation or general anaesthesia to improve comfort or provide pain relief.
How your anaesthetic is chosen
There is no single anaesthetic that is right for everyone. The most appropriate approach is planned for you based on your procedure, your health and individual circumstances.
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Your procedure
The type and duration of your procedure, the part of the body involved and the expected recovery all influence which anaesthetic techniques may be suitable.
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Benefits and risks
The potential benefits and risks of the available anaesthetic techniques are considered for your individual circumstances.
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Your health
Your medical conditions, medications, allergies and previous experiences with anaesthesia are considered when planning your anaesthetic.
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Your preferences
Your preferences and any concerns you may have are an important part of the discussion. I will explain the proposed plan and give you an opportunity to ask questions before your procedure.
What happens in theatre
When you arrive in the operating theatre, the anaesthetic team will prepare you for your procedure and continue to care for you throughout your anaesthetic. Exactly what happens will vary depending on your procedure and the type of anaesthesia planned.
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Before your anaesthetic
Before your anaesthetic begins, your identity, procedure and anaesthetic plan will be confirmed. You will have an opportunity to ask any final questions before proceeding.
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During your anaesthetic
I will remain responsible for your anaesthetic throughout your procedure, continuously monitoring you and adjusting medications, fluids and other aspects of your care as required.
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Monitoring
Monitors are attached before or shortly after your anaesthetic begins. These routinely monitor your heart rate and rhythm, blood pressure and oxygen levels. Additional monitoring may be used when appropriate for your procedure or health.
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At the end of your procedure
As your procedure finishes, the anaesthetic is adjusted or stopped and your immediate recovery begins. You will usually be transferred to the recovery area, where you will continue to be monitored and cared for as you recover.