Anaesthetics
Our anaesthetic team works closely with our critical care unit to provide pain relief to patients both before and after surgery.
Anaesthesia is used to make a patient unable to feel pain and
works by blocking pain signals to the brain. There are several
types of anaesthesia:
- Local anaesthetic - used for minor procedures and tests to
numb the nerves in the area where the procedure is taking place.
You will be conscious during the procedure but you do not feel any
pain.
- Regional anaesthetic - used for larger or deeper
operations where the nerves are harder to reach. Local anaesthetic
is injected near the nerves in order to numb a larger area, but you
remain conscious
- Epidural anaesthetic - a regional anaesthetic used to numb
the lower half of your body, which is often used for
childbirth
- Spinal anaesthesia - a regional anaesthetic that is used
to numb your spinal nerves so that surgery can be carried out in
this area
- General anaesthetic - used for bigger operations when
you need to be unconscious. The anaesthetic stops your brain
recognising any signals from your nerves so you cannot feel
anything
- Sedation - for painful or unpleasant procedures that are
otherwise minor. Sedation makes you feel sleepy and relaxes you
both physically and mentally
You may be given your anaesthetic in one of the
following forms, depending on which type you are having:
- ointment, spray, or drops that are rubbed onto your skin
- an injection into a vein
- a gas that you breathe in
Before your procedure your anaesthetist will discuss the most
appropriate anaesthetic methods with you and will explain any risks
or side effects. They will make sure that you are safe
throughout your surgery and that you wake up comfortably
afterwards. They may also help with any additional pain relief
required after your procedure.