ABOUT THE ANAESTHETIC

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In most cases, you will be given deep “procedural sedation”, which allows the specialist to perform the procedure and aims to ensure your safety and comfort.

 

On the day of your procedure, I will speak with you when you arrive. You will have a cannula placed in your vein, either in the back of your hand or arm. 

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You will receive a number of medications to achieve procedural sedation. The most common medications used include a sedative (which makes you amnesic of the procedure) and an analgesic medication (which ensures you are comfortable throughout the procedure).

 

During the procedure, you will be unaware of your surroundings. I will be by your side for the whole procedure to ensure that you are safe and comfortable.

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At the end of the procedure, you will wake up and recover with a specialist recovery nurse by your side. When you first wake up, you will still feel quite drowsy and sometime disorientated. This will usually last for 30 minutes.

 

When you are able to get up, we will ensure that you can tolerate a diet and mobilise comfortably. When safe, you will be discharged with information on what to expect for the next 24 hours.

 

BEFORE THE PROCEDURE

 

It is important that you speak to your specialist about when you should alter your diet and have your bowel preparation (if you are having a colonoscopy). The hospital will contact you the day before the procedure with times of admission and fasting. It is very important that you follow these instructions.

 

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO NOW

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You will need to contact me if you:

 

• Have any significant medical issues. (Heart Disease, Breathing Problems, Diabetes, Stroke, etc)

• Or anyone in your family had problems with anaesthetic. 

• Have abnormal reactions or allergies to medications.

• Take any medications that you are concerned about.

• Have any concerns at all.

• Need a quote for the anaesthetic.