About Anaesthesia

Undergoing a procedure in hospital can be a daunting experience. We hope this information will answer some of your questions and ease your mind regarding your anaesthesia.

What does your anaesthetist do?

• assess your health.
• determine the type of anaesthetic that is best and safest for you.
• administer your anaesthesia.
• monitor and care for you constantly throughout your procedure.
• organise and monitor your immediate post operative course including pain management.

What happens at your pre-anaesthetic consultation?

Between the time your are admitted to hospital and are taken to the operating theatre, your anaesthetist will consult with you regarding your anaesthesia. This discussion may include:

• your general health.
• your medications.
• allergies and/or reactions to drugs or foods.
• any previous anaesthesia you have undergone.
• the anaesthesia you will be undergoing and what you can expect.
• risks and complications of this anaesthesia.
• any questions or concerns you have.

Are there any risks and complications associated with anaesthesia?

Anaesthetic complications are rare and often short lived. Any significant risk will be discussed with you prior to your anaesthetic.

What are the types of Anaesthesia?

Your anaesthesia will vary depending on the procedure you are undergoing, your health, personal wishes and the assessment of your anaesthetist.

• General: where you are put into a controlled state of unconsciousness and then woken up after your procedure.
• Regional: which includes nerve block, spinal block or epidurals. This anaesthetic numbs the general surgical area and to ensure your comfort, may be given in conjunction with sedation.
• Local: where local anaesthetic is injected directly into the surgical site, numbing the general area and may also be given in conjunction with sedation.

What happens after my procedure has been completed?

• You will be taken back to the ward once stable and comfortable.
• In the immediate post operative period you will be drowsy and may be administered oxygen, pain killers and anti-nausea medication.
• You will taken back to the ward when sufficiently awake, stable and comfortable.

What can I do to make my procedure as safe as possible?

• If you can, try to improve your fitness by consuming less alcohol and stopping smoking in the lead up to your procedure.
• Inform your surgeon and anaesthetist of any health problems you have.
• Ensure your surgeon and anaesthetist are aware of any medications you are taking.
• Ask which of your regular medications should be stopped prior to your procedure/anaesthesia and which should be continued.
• Contact our office if you have any queries or concerns regarding your anaesthetic.

Further information on anaesthesia can be found on the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) website.
Please note: The information provided is very general and does not replace the need to discuss your personal health issues with your anaesthetist.