• Anaesthesia stops you feeling pain and unpleasant sensations. It can be given in different ways and does not always mean you are asleep.

    • Local anaesthesia – injections that numb a small part of the body.

    • Regional anaesthesia – injections that numb a larger or deeper area (e.g. spinals, epidurals, nerve blocks).

    • General anaesthesia – medication that gives a deep sleep-like state.

    • Sedation – medicine that makes you relaxed and sleepy, often used with local or regional anaesthesia.

  • Anaesthetists are doctors who:

    • Discuss suitable anaesthetics for your operation

    • Explain risks, benefits, and alternatives

    • Agree a plan for pain relief

    • Monitor your safety throughout surgery and recovery

  • Before surgery you will usually be asked to complete a questionnaire about your health, medicines, and allergies.

    Sometimes a nurse or doctor may call you to go through your answers, and only rarely will you need to attend an in-person clinic.

    During this process we may:

    • Review your medical history and medicines

    • Carry out tests such as blood pressure, heart checks, or swabs if needed

    • Advise you on which medicines to take before and after surgery

    Please have a full list of your medicines ready, including any recent test results.

  • You will meet your anaesthetist (me) before surgery. Together you will decide the best plan, based on:

    • Your procedure

    • Your health and risks

    • Your preferences

    • The hospital’s resources

  • Anaesthesia is very safe. Side effects are usually mild and short-term. Your anaesthetist will explain risks that are most relevant to you.

    Shared decision-making combines medical expertise with your personal goals and preferences.

  • Patients who are fitter generally recover faster. You may benefit from:

    • Improving your diet

    • Increasing activity levels

    • Stopping smoking

    • Managing long-term conditions with your GP

    • Follow fasting instructions carefully (“nil by mouth”)

    • Remove nail varnish, false nails, and jewellery

    • Wear the gown and stockings provided

    • Take medicines as advised, usually with a sip of water

  • Monitors will track your heart, blood pressure, and oxygen levels. A cannula will usually be inserted.

    • General anaesthesia: drugs via a vein or gases, often with a breathing tube.

    • Regional anaesthesia: injections near nerves, sometimes with ultrasound guidance. You stay awake but numb.

  • You will recover in a monitored area before returning to the ward. Pain relief may include:

    • Tablets or liquids

    • Injections

    • Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA)

    • Nerve blocks such as spinals or epidurals

    Some pain is expected, but medicines will be tailored to keep you comfortable.

  • You cannot drive after anaesthesia, so arrange transport.

    Contact your GP or hospital if you develop:

    • Severe or worsening pain

    • Chest pain or breathing problems

    • Swelling at the surgical site

    • Any other concerning symptoms

  • This information is for general guidance only and should not replace advice from your anaesthetist or healthcare team.

    Adapted from the Royal College of Anaesthetists leaflet “You and Your Anaesthetic”, Sixth Edition, April 2023.

Download Leaflet (PDF)