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.
If you are having an abdominal operation you will require a general anaesthetic. You may also be offered a spinal or epidural as part of your anaesthetic to help with pain relief after surgery. You will be given these while you are awake, before the general anaesthetic is given.
For more information about the different types of anaesthetic please follow the links on the left of the page
Anaesthetists
Anaesthetists are doctors who are specially trained to deliver your anaesthetic.
What does an anaesthetist do
Meeting your anaesthetist
Your anaesthetist will meet you before the operation. Most commonly, this is on the morning before your surgery.
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.
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
Can I eat and drink before my anaesthetic?
At your pre-assessment appointment you will be given clear instructions about when to stop eating and drinking before your operation. 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.
