This webpage gives you information about having an anaesthetic for your operation.
What is an anaesthetic?
An anaesthetic stops you feeling pain or unpleasant sensations during your operation.
There are different types of anaesthetic:
Local anaesthetic
An injection which numbs a small part of your body to stop you feeling pain.
Regional anaesthetic
An injection which numbs a larger part of your body. Examples include a spinal, an epidural or a nerve block. Regional anaesthesia does not make you unconscious but does stop you feeling pain. You may still be aware of pressure sensations.
General anaesthetic
A state of controlled unconsciousness. You will not be aware of anything during your operation and will feel no pain or other sensations.
Anaesthetic techniques are often combined. For example, a regional anaesthetic may be given for pain relief afterwards, and a general anaesthetic makes sure you remember nothing.
For more information see the Types of Anaesthetic page.
Anaesthetists
Anaesthetists are doctors who are specially trained to deliver your anaesthetic.
What does an anaesthetist do
- Discuss with you the type of anaesthetic that is suitable for your operation. If there are choices available they will help you choose.
- Inform you about the risks of anaesthesia.
- Agre a plan with you for your anaesthetic and pain control afterwards.
- Give your anaesthetic and be responsible for your safety during your surgery and in the recovery room.
Meeting your anaesthetist
Your anaesthetist will meet you before the operation. Most commonly, this is on the morning before your surgery, or it may be in the preassessment clinic.
They will discuss the options with you, including benefits, risks and your preferences. They will decide, along with you, which anaesthetic would be best for you, once you have had the chance to ask any questions.
Which anaesthetic will I have?
Your anaesthetist will decide with you which anaesthetic would be best for you. Not all types of anaesthesia are appropriate for all types of operations.
If there is a choice of anaesthetic, the decision on which to use will depend on:
- the operation you are having and any medical problems
- your particular risks
- your preferences and the reasons for them
- the recommendation and particular skills of the anaesthetist
- the equipment, staff and resources at the hospital
Sometimes there is a choice about which kind of anaesthetic and pain relief is best for you. Having talked about the benefits, risks and your preferences, you and your anaesthetist can decide together which anaesthetic you will have. Nothing will happen to you until you understand and agree with what has been planned. You can refuse the treatment, or ask for more information or more time to decide.
For more information see the Types of Anaesthetic page.
Questions
If you have questions about your anaesthetic, write them down and bring them with you to your pre-assessment appointment or on the day of surgery.
Preparing for an anaesthetic
The NHS Lothian Fit for Surgery webpage explains what steps you can take to prepare your body for an operation and an anaesthetic.
Can I eat and drink before my anaesthetic?
At your pre-assessment appointment you will be given clear instructions about eating and drinking. These instructions are important.
If there is food or liquid in your stomach during your anaesthetic, it could come up into your throat and lungs and endanger your life.
Research
NHS Lothian is committed to supporting clinical research. If you are eligible for any research studies, someone from the research team may contact you with information that you can read. If you do not wish to take part in any research, this will not affect your clinical care in any way.
PLEASE NOTE
This website includes content taken from the Royal College of Anaesthetists’ (RCoA) leaflets ‘Fitter, Better, Sooner (2018)’, ‘You and your anaesthetic (2020)’, ‘Anaesthesia explained (2015)’, and ‘Common events and risks in anaesthesia(2019)’. However, The RCoA has not reviewed the website as a whole. Some of the RCoA infographics used on the website have been adapted for web viewing.
