ANAESTHESIA EXPLAINED
Types of Anaesthesia
Understanding your options and what to expect
Anaesthesia is an important part of your procedure, helping to keep you comfortable, safe and supported throughout your treatment. The most appropriate technique will depend on your procedure, your medical history and your individual needs.
Your anaesthetic. Personalised to you.
There is no single approach to anaesthesia that is right for everyone.
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During your pre-operative assessment, Dr Hish will consider your health, the planned procedure and your preferences before discussing the most appropriate anaesthetic plan with you.
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Your anaesthetist remains responsible for your anaesthetic care through the procedure, monitoring continuously and adjusting your care as required.
GENERAL ANAESTHESIA
Deep sleep. Complete unconsciousness.
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General anaesthesia uses medicines to produce a controlled state of unconsciousness, so you are unaware of the procedure and do not feel pain. Your anaesthetist monitors you continuously throughout your anaesthetic and adjusts the medicines according to your needs.
Often used for:
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Major procedures and surgery where being completely unconscious is appropriate.
Understanding the continuum of anaesthesia​​:
SEDATION
Relaxed. Comfortable. Supported.
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Sedation uses medicines to make you relaxed and sleepy during a procedure. Depending on the depth of sedation, you may remain awake and able to respond, or become very sleepy with little awareness of what is happening. Sedation is often combined with local or regional anaesthesia.
Often used for:
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Selected procedures where complete unconsciousness is not necessary.
Understanding the continuum of anaesthesia​​:
REGIONAL ANAESTHESIA
Targeted pain relief.​
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Regional anaesthesia involves placing local anaesthetic near the nerves supplying a larger or deeper area of the body. You remain conscious, although sedation or general anaesthesia may sometimes be used alongside it.
Often used for:
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Certain procedures involving the limbs or lower part of the body, and sometimes alongside general anaesthesia for additional pain relief.
LOCAL ANAESTHESIA
Targeted. Precise. Minimal.
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Local anaesthesia numbs a small, specific area of the body while you remain conscious. It may be given by injection, cream, gel, spray or ointment depending on the procedure.
Often used for:
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Smaller procedures where the treatment area can be effectively numbed.
WHICH APPROACH IS RIGHT FOR ME?
Your anaesthetic plan is individual to you. During your consultation and pre-operative assessment, we will discuss the available options, including their benefits, risks and alternatives, and agree a plan that is appropriate for your procedure and medical needs.
Your procedure
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What type and extent of surgery is planned?
Your health
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Your medical history and current health
Your preferences
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Your concerns, expectations and comfort
Your safety
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The safest appropriate approach for you
BEFORE YOUR PROCEDURE
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​Preparing you for a safe anaesthetic
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Your pre-operative assessment provides an opportunity to review your medical history, medications, previous anaesthetic experiences and any factors that may influence your care.
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​We will discuss the proposed anaesthetic, answer your questions and ensure
that you understand what to expect before, during and after your procedure.
Good anaesthetic care begins before you arrive in the operating theatre.
YOUR PATIENT JOURNEY
CONSULTATION
TREATMENT/SURGERY
RECOVERY & FOLLOW-UP
PERSONALISED ASSESSMENT
