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What type of anaesthetic can I have?

If you are having an operation you will need some form of anaesthetic to stop you from feeling pain and uncomfortable sensations. It can be performed in various ways or as a combination of techniques.

• General anaesthetic – you will be made unconscious using anaesthetic drugs and experience nothing during the procedure.
• Regional anaesthetic (“block”) – a large part of your body (e.g. an arm or both legs) can be made numb using a targeted injection. Sedation can supplement regional anaesthesia to allow a light sleep during the procedure or you may choose to remain fully conscious without feeling any pain.
• Local anaesthetic – a smaller part of your body will be made numb, normally by the surgeon

The anaesthetist will discuss all the options available for your particular operation and agree with you on a plan for your anaesthetic and pain control.

Who will provide my anaesthetic?

Your anaesthetic will be administered by a Consultant Anaesthetist, a qualified doctor who has undertaken a long period of specialist training and examinations after medical school.

How can I prepare for my anaesthetic?

There are a few things you can do to prepare yourself.

• If you smoke, giving up for several weeks before the operation reduces the risk of breathing problems and makes your anaesthetic safer. The longer you can give up beforehand, the better. If you cannot stop smoking completely, cutting down will help.
• If you have loose teeth or crowns, treatment from your dentist may reduce the risk of damage to your teeth.
• If you have a long-standing medical problem such as diabetes, asthma or bronchitis, heart problems or high blood pressure, you should ask your GP if you need a checkup.

Pre-operative fasting (“Nil by mouth”)

The hospital will give you clear instructions about fasting, and it is important to follow these for your own safety. It is very important that your stomach is empty before you have an anaesthetic.

As a general rule, you should not eat for at least six hours before your anaesthetic, and clear fluids (water, squash, tea or coffee without milk, but NOT fruit juice with pulp, milk or fizzy drinks) may be drunk only until two hours before. After admission to the hospital you will be allowed to drink

Your anaesthetist will visit you before your surgery after you arrive in hospital, and will take time to discuss all the aspects related to your anaesthetic. This is a good opportunity for you to ask any questions or raise any concerns you might have.

When arriving in the operating theatre you will be asked to confirm your identity and what operation you are having, as well as a few other questions about your health, allergies, etc. This checklist process might seem repetitive, but it is done to improve your safety.

The anaesthetist will be there to provide the type of anaesthetic agreed with you beforehand, and will remain with you throughout your operation, even when you are unconscious. This is in order to keep you safe at all times and also to carefully fine-tune the anaesthetic and pain relief.

At the end of surgery, the anaesthetist will ensure you wake up safely and then transfer you to the recovery room, where a specially trained nurse will monitor and assist you until you are ready to be taken back to the ward.

Will I have a lot of pain?

All operations may cause pain, but there are multiple types of pain killers and pain relief procedures. These will be discussed with you by the anaesthetist and will significantly reduce your pain and discomfort.

Will I feel sick?

Some people may feel sick after an operation. Some people can be particularly sensitive so it is important to tell the anaesthetist if you had problems with sickness before, as this will allow to adjust the anaesthetic technique and to ensure that you receive adequate anti-sickness medication.

The anaesthetist will usually visit you after your operation to ensure that your pain is being well controlled, and that are no problems have arisen following your anaesthetic. The anaesthetists in Portsmouth Anaesthetic Group work as a team and if post-operative visiting needs to continue this may be performed by a different Consultant Anaesthetist.

When can I go home?

This will depend on the type of surgery and anaesthetic. For some operations you will be able to return home on the same day, for others you might need to spend a few days in hospital. The surgeon and the anaesthetist will tell you beforehand what to expect, and then they will review your condition after the operation.

When you are safe and well you will be allowed to leave hospital and will be provided with pain killers and any other required medication to take home with you. You will also receive detailed advice and instructions about getting back to normal, returning to work, etc

Please contact us for further specific information, or if you have any specific concerns with regards to your health in relation to have an anaesthetic