Anaesthetist - A specialist doctor who gives anaesthetics, manages pain, and looks after you before, during, and after surgery.

Anaesthetic - Medicine that makes you unconscious (general anaesthetic) or numbs part of your body (regional anaesthetic) so you do not feel pain during surgery.

General anaesthetic (GA) - Medicine given through a drip and/or breathing mask that makes you fully asleep during your operation.

Spinal anaesthetic - An injection in the lower back that numbs your body from the waist down for a few hours. Often used for hip, knee, and bowel surgery.

Epidural - A thin tube placed in the back to give continuous pain relief during and after surgery.

Nerve block - An injection of local anaesthetic near a nerve to numb a particular area of the body (e.g. shoulder, leg).

Local anaesthetic - Medicine that numbs a small area of the body.

PCA (Patient-Controlled Analgesia) - A pump connected to your drip that lets you give yourself safe doses of strong pain medicine when you need it.

Paracetamol - A common pain-relieving medicine, often given regularly after surgery.

Opioids - Strong pain medicines such as morphine, oxycodone, fentanyl, or tapentadol. They work well but may cause side effects like nausea, drowsiness, or constipation.

Anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) - Medicines such as ibuprofen, diclofenac, or celecoxib that reduce pain and swelling. Not suitable for everyone.

Arterial line - A thin tube placed in the wrist artery to measure blood pressure continuously and take blood samples during major surgery.

Catheter (urinary) - A thin tube placed into the bladder to drain urine during or after surgery.

Drain - A tube placed during surgery to remove excess fluid or blood from the body while healing.

ICU (Intensive Care Unit) - A specialised hospital ward where patients are monitored very closely after major or complicated surgery.

HDU (High Dependency Unit) - A hospital ward providing closer monitoring than a normal ward, but less intensive than ICU.

Enhanced Recovery (ERAS) - A modern program that helps patients get better more quickly after surgery by focusing on good nutrition, pain relief, early mobilisation, and careful monitoring.

Anastomosis - A surgical join between two parts of the bowel.

Leak (anastomotic leak) - A complication where fluid leaks from a bowel join. Rare, but closely monitored for after major bowel surgery.

Pre-assessment clinic - A clinic visit or phone call before surgery to check your health, review medications, and plan your anaesthetic safely.

Fasting - Not eating or drinking for a set time before surgery to keep your stomach empty and reduce risks during anaesthesia.