ABOUT ANAESTHETICS

Types of Anaesthetics

General Anaesthetic

A general anaesthetic aims to keep you unconscious during an operation. Usually you will receive a number of different drugs each with a specific purpose.

It is normal practice to place an intravenous cannula so that drugs can be injected directly into the bloodstream. After the surgeon confirms the operative site with you and confirms any last minute details a sedative will be administered through the drip so that you mean feel more relaxed and comfortable. Monitoring will be placed before you are fully anaesthetised, this includes ECG, Blood pressure cuff and a probe on your finger to measure your oxygen levels. You may not remember this occurring. You will usually have other drugs injected to anaesthetise you fully. Gases and vapours may also be used to keep you asleep. A breathing tube may be put into your throat or airway to help your breathing while you are anaesthetised. The breathing tube will be removed as you wake up. Appropriate pain relief drugs will be given intraoperatively so that they are working when you wake up.

Local Anaesthetic

You may stay awake during an operation. If appropriate the local anaesthetic can be placed directly at the operative site or may involve a specific procedure such as an epidural or spinal. The local may be used in conjunction with general anaesthesia for the purpose of providing post operative pain relief.

Full monitoring will also be used during local procedures and this will include ECG, blood pressure and pulse oximetery.