Your anaesthetic
What anaesthesia is, the different types, and what to expect on the day of your operation.
Your anaesthetist will recommend what suits you and your operation
General anaesthetic
A state of controlled unconsciousness. You are asleep and feel nothing during the operation. Your anaesthetist stays with you throughout and wakes you at the end.
Regional anaesthetic
An injection that numbs a larger part of the body, such as a spinal or epidural, or a nerve block for an arm or leg. You may stay awake or have sedation as well.
Sedation
Medicines that make you feel relaxed and drowsy. You may remember little of the procedure. It is often combined with a local or regional anaesthetic.
Local anaesthetic
Numbs a small area of the body. You stay fully awake but feel no pain, although you may feel pressure or movement.
What to expect
- Your anaesthetist will meet you before your operation to talk through your plan and answer questions.
- You will be asked to confirm your name, date of birth, allergies and when you last ate and drank.
- In the anaesthetic room, monitoring is attached: a blood pressure cuff, ECG stickers and a finger probe to measure oxygen.
- A small cannula is placed in the back of your hand or arm so medicines can be given.
- Afterwards you wake in the recovery room, where nurses look after you until you are ready to return to your room.
Pain relief and recovery
Good pain relief helps you move, breathe deeply and recover more quickly. Your anaesthetist will plan this with you, which may include tablets, injections, a nerve block or a patient-controlled pump.
Some people feel sick after an anaesthetic. We give medicines to reduce this, so tell us if you have been sick after an operation before.
Frequently asked questions
Is a general anaesthetic safe?
Modern anaesthesia is very safe. Serious problems are rare. Your anaesthetist will talk about the risks that apply to you. The Royal College of Anaesthetists publishes clear leaflets on specific risks. See all our leaflets on the Useful resources page.
Will I meet my anaesthetist before my operation?
Yes. Your consultant anaesthetist will see you before your operation, usually on the day, to discuss your anaesthetic and answer any questions.
Can I choose the type of anaesthetic?
Often there is a choice. Your anaesthetist will explain the options that are safe for your operation and help you decide.
Will I have a sore throat afterwards?
A mild sore throat is common after a general anaesthetic because of the breathing tube or airway device. It usually settles within a day or two.
When can I drive after an anaesthetic?
You should not drive, drink alcohol, operate machinery or sign legal documents for at least 24 hours after a general anaesthetic or sedation. You will need a responsible adult to take you home.
Does my weight affect my anaesthetic?
Being very overweight or underweight can make some parts of an anaesthetic more difficult and raises some risks. Your anaesthetist will plan your care with this in mind.
My child is having an anaesthetic. What should we expect?
A parent or carer can usually stay with your child until they are asleep. Your child's anaesthetist will explain what will happen and answer your questions.
How much will my anaesthetic cost?
Anaesthetic fees are separate from your surgeon's and the hospital's fees. Please contact us for an estimate before your operation.