Your Anaesthetic Journey
Pre-Operative Assessment
Your anaesthetist will see you before the operation, usually on the day of surgery immediately prior the procedure. If you are undergoing major or complex surgery, or if you have significant medical illnesses, it may be necessary to attend a pre-operative consultation in the hospital’s pre-admission clinic or the anaesthetists' rooms prior to the day of surgery. You will be asked a number of relevant questions to establish the state of your general health and fitness in order to formulate an appropriate anaesthetic plan for you. This will include questions about your medical conditions, serious illnesses, medications, allergies, problems with previous anaesthetics, family history, fasting, any heartburn or reflux, any loose teeth/dentures/caps/crowns/bridges, smoking and alcohol consumption.
​
Your anaesthetist will also discuss with you the different types of anaesthesia appropriate for your surgery and agree on a plan with you for your anaesthetic and pain control post-operatively. They will also discuss the risks of anaesthesia with you. Any questions or concerns you may have will be answered at this time.
In the Operating Theatre
When you get to the operating theatre your anaesthetist will insert a small plastic cannula into a vein of the hand or arm so that anaesthetic drugs can be injected into the bloodstream. Monitoring will be placed before you go to sleep and this will include an ECG to monitor the heart, a blood pressure cuff and a probe on your finger to measure your oxygen level. Often oxygen is given via a face mask at this time. Medication will then be given to put you to sleep and anaesthetic gases will be given via a breathing tube to keep you asleep. Appropriate pain relief drugs will be given intraoperatively so that they are already working when you wake up. Your will often be given drugs to stop you vomiting or feeling nauseated after you wake up.
Your anaesthetist is responsible for your wellbeing and safety throughout your operation. They stay with you throughout the entire operation or procedure, continuously monitoring all vital functions and carefully adjusting dosages of drugs to maintain safe anaesthesia. They will also skilfully manage any situation that arises.
After the Operation
After the surgery is completed, you will be woken up and your breathing tube will be removed, and you will be transferred to the recovery ward. The skilled recovery nursing staff will closely monitor you until you are fully awake, they will keep you warm, measure your blood pressure and give any prescribed medications before you are returned to the ward or discharged home. The anaesthetist will ensure you have adequate pain relief and a plan for pain management after the operation. Other medications may also be prescribed.
​
The aim is to make your experience as calm and pain free as possible, with a smooth and comfortable recovery.
Going Home
If you are having day surgery make sure that you have someone to take you home. Additionally you need to be in the company of another responsible person overnight.
​
The anaesthetic my temporarily affect your judgement. So, for the first 24 hours AFTER your surgery you must not:
-
Drive.
-
Drink alcohol.
-
Operate machinery.
-
Climb ladders.
-
Make important decisions.
-
Sign any legal documents.