The Anaesthetist involved in your case will discuss the anaesthetic with you and check your medical history. The type of anaesthetic patients receive, and whether this is purely a General Anaesthetic or sedation or a Local Anaesthetic / nerve block or a combination of these techniques, depends on several factors including the type of surgical procedure, concurrent medical conditions and the preferences of the patient, the anaesthetist and the surgeon. Please feel free to clarify any issues you may want to discuss about your anaesthetic with the anaesthetist.

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As with all medical procedures anaesthetics entail risks, side effects and complications. The vast majority of patients, however, undergo anaesthetics with no problems. Common side effects include post-operative nausea and vomiting, shivering, sore throat, damage to lips, tongue or teeth and bruising or pain at injection sites.

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Local Anaesthetic nerve blocks sometimes result in prolonged nerve block or symptoms caused by irritation or damage to the nerve. Specific complications relating to your procedure will generally be discussed with you prior to your operation, particularly if you are having a nerve block.

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Information for patients about Anaesthetics is available in leaflets produced by the Royal College of Anaesthetists.

 

To access these leaflets please click on the links below:

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Anaesthesia Explained:

https://www.rcoa.ac.uk/sites/default/files/documents/2020-05/01-AnaesExplainedweb.pdf

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You and Your Anaesthetic:
https://www.rcoa.ac.uk/you and your anaesthetic

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Sedation Explained:
https://www.rcoa.uk/sedation explained

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Risks Associated with Anaesthetics:

https://www.rcoa.ac.uk/sites/default/files/documents/2019-11/Risk-infographics_2019web.pdf