Making Your Choice
The choice of anaesthetic depends on many different factors such as the type of operation, your physical condition and your preferences.
If having local or regional anesthetic you will also need to decide whether you would prefer to be fully alert or relaxed and sleepy through sedation.
Administering Anaesthetic
Local & Regional Anaesthetic
These are given by injection. You will be asked to sit completely still and may feel a warm tingling feeling as it begins to take effect. The operation will only go ahead when the anaesthetist is certain the area is numb.
General Anaesthetic
This can be given either by injection into a vein or by breathing anaesthetic gases and oxygen through a mask.
Once you are unconscious the anaesthetist will stay with you at all times and continue to give you anaesthetic. As soon as the operation is finished the anaesthetic will be stopped or reversed so you can gain consciousness.
After the operation you will be taken to the recovery room where recovery staff will be with you at all times.
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