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what we do

Anaesthesia stops you from feeling pain during the operation. There are different types of anaesthetic:

  1. A local anaesthetic uses an injection to numb a part of your body. You stay awake but do not feel pain.
  2. A regional anaesthetic uses an injection to numb a larger part of your body (such as an arm or a leg). You stay awake but do not feel pain.
  3. A general anaesthetic gives a state of controlled unconsciousness during which you won’t feel anything. This is essential for many operations and you will be asleep for the entire procedure.

Why do I need to meet with an Anaesthetist?

Anaesthetics are given by specially trained doctors called Anaesthetists. The Anaesthetist is responsible for your wellbeing and safety throughout your surgery, and together with you, they will plan the type of anaesthetic and pain control that is most suitable.

Except for some minor procedures, you will meet an Anaesthetist before your operation. During your anaesthetic assessment, you will be asked some questions about your health. This may be during your pre-assessment appointment, or on the ward. This assessment is carried out to make sure that you are well enough for your surgery.

You will be asked about:

  • Your general health and fitness
  • Any serious illnesses you have had
  • Any family members who might have had problems with anaesthetics
  • Any allergies you have
  • Any loose teeth, caps, crowns or bridges
  • Whether you smoke, drink alcohol or use any recreational drugs.
If any tests are required, such as blood tests, ECG or chest x-ray, these will also be arranged. Please bring all of your medicines with you, including those prescribed by your GP, medicines you have bought yourself or alternative medicines, such as herbal remedies.

Questions on anaesthesia

  • Fasting or ‘nil by mouth’ instructions. Fasting means that you cannot eat anything for six hours before surgery. This means that you also cannot suck on sweets or chew gum. You are allowed to drink water, Gatorade or clear juice without pulp (e.g apple juice) up to two hours before surgery.
  • If you continue to eat or drink after this, your surgery will be cancelled. It is very important that you follow the fasting instructions below. If there is food or liquid in your stomach during the anaesthetic, it could come up to the back of your throat and then damage your lungs.
  • For morning surgery, come to the hospital at 7am. Do not eat after 2am. You may drink water, Gatorade or clear juice without pulp until 6 am.
  • For afternoon surgery, come to the hospital at 11am. Have a light breakfast of tea/coffee with toast/cereal before 7am and then do not eat after 7am. You may drink water, Gatorade or clear juice without pulp until 11am.
  • If you are given a different time to come into hospital for surgery, you must still follow the fasting times above.

For 48 hours after your surgery and anaesthetic, it is important that you follow the safety advice below. This is because your reasoning, reflexes, judgement and coordination skills can be affected temporarily, even though you may feel fine.

Please rest at home for a minimum of 24 hours after your anaesthetic and do not go to work or school on the day after surgery. It is important that you follow any instructions that the doctors and nurses have given you. If you are going home after having general anaesthetic, we will require you to be escorted home by a relative or friend. We advise for someone to stay with you for 24 hours after having an anaesthetic.

For 48 hours after surgery do not:

  • Drive any vehicle, including a bicycle
  • Operate machinery
  • Cook or use sharp utensils
  • Drink alcohol or smoke
  • Take sleeping tablets
  • Make any important decisions or sign any contracts

If you have a problem at home or you are worried about your condition, please call us. We will give you information about who to contact before you go home.

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