Information for Patients

If you are scheduled for surgery or are considering an operation, you may find answers to many of your questions here.
If your question isn’t listed below, please contact us and we will be happy to answer your individual concerns.

Why do I need an anaesthetic?

An anaesthetic enables your surgeon to perform the procedure safely and comfortably. It ensures that you are pain-free, comfortable, and that you will not remember what happened during the operation (depending on the type of anaesthesia).
Whether you are completely asleep (general anaesthesia) or sedated with regional or local techniques will depend on the procedure and what you and your surgeon/anaesthetist decide.

What is the role of the anaesthetist?

Your anaesthetist is a fully specialist doctor who plans, administers and monitors your anaesthesia. Every anaesthetic is tailored to you. During the operation your anaesthetist will monitor your vital signs using specialist equipment, ensure you receive the correct medication, fluid therapy, pain relief and anti-sickness treatment. The care continues after surgery till you are safely in recovery.

What are the risks?

Anaesthesia is very safe with modern techniques — considerably safer than many everyday activities. However, it is not entirely without risk. The type and level of risks vary depending on whether you receive a local, regional, sedated or general anaesthetic. Your anaesthetist will discuss any concerns you may have in advance.

Why must I not eat or drink before surgery?

If your stomach is not empty, there is a risk of vomiting during, or immediately after, surgery which can lead to serious complications.

As a general guide:

Last meal (solid food): 6 hours before surgery.
Last clear fluid (water, squash, black tea/coffee): 2 hours before surgery.

Solid food includes milk, tea or coffee with milk, juice with pulp; clear fluids are water, squash, clear juice without pulp, black coffee or tea without milk.

Chewing gum and fizzy drinks are “grey areas” — the safest advice is to avoid them.

Will I feel sick after my operation?

Most patients do not, but the likelihood depends on the type of surgery and how much strong pain relief is needed. We use modern anaesthetic drugs and techniques with a low risk of post-operative nausea and vomiting. We also give anti-sickness medication before you wake up, so this is usually not as big a problem as many patients expect.

Do I have to remove all my make-up and nail varnish?

Yes. Some types of nail varnish interfere with monitors on your finger. False nails may allow monitoring but this depends on what surgery you’re having. Make-up — especially dark lipstick — can mask subtle skin and colour changes your anaesthetist uses to monitor you.

Why am I asked about caps, crowns and loose teeth?

If you’re having a general anaesthetic your anaesthetist may insert a breathing tube via your mouth. Crowns and bridges are not as strong as normal teeth, so there's a very small risk of damage. It's rare but you should be aware.

Do I have to remove my body piercings?

Yes – in most cases we ask that you remove all piercings. Metal bars or studs can get caught in surgical drapes or heat up from electrical equipment in theatre. If a tongue piercing closes quickly, consider replacing it with a plastic bar in advance.

I usually take homeopathic or herbal remedies — can I continue them?

Homeopathic medicines (tiny amounts of active ingredient) are usually safe to continue.
Herbal remedies may contain substances which affect your liver, blood clotting, or interact with anaesthetic drugs. For safety, you should stop all herbal remedies two weeks before your surgery.

Is it okay for me to drink alcohol or take recreational drugs before my operation?

Alcohol and recreational (street) drugs can interfere with the medications used for anaesthesia and recovery, producing unpredictable and potentially dangerous effects.
Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before your operation. If you use any recreational drugs, you must tell your anaesthetist — in confidence — so we can plan appropriately.

What is a “premed” and will I receive one?

A premedication (or “premed”) may be given before your operation to help you feel relaxed or help with the anaesthetic. However, modern anaesthetic practice means this is often not required. If a premed is to be used, it is usually given just before you go into the anaesthetic room. You will have an opportunity to discuss this with your anaesthetist.

I’m afraid of needles; is one required?

Yes — usually. A small needle is required to place a drip (intravenous line) so that medications, fluids and anaesthetic agents can be given safely. Local anaesthetic is used to make the needle insertion comfortable. In a few cases, the anaesthetic may be started via inhalation, but a drip is still usually placed before you wake up.

Will I have a sore throat after my anaesthetic?

A mild sore throat is relatively common after a general anaesthetic because a tube may be placed in your throat to assist breathing. The discomfort usually resolves within hours, though occasionally a sore throat may persist for a day or two.

What are the different types of anaesthesia?

As a general guide:

General Anaesthesia (GA) - You receive medication to send you to sleep. You will awaken after the operation and not remember what happened. Modern techniques enable you to wake up quickly with minimal drowsiness.
Regional Anaesthesia (RA) - Also called nerve block/spinal/epidural — local anaesthetic is injected into nerve groups to numb the part of the body being operated on. You may also receive sedation.
Local Anaesthesia (LA) - Local anaesthetic is injected into the surgical site, numbing only the area. The surgeon may administer this, and you may remain fully awake.
Intravenous Sedation - Sedative medication through a drip relaxes you — you may feel drowsy or sleepy and may not remember parts of the procedure. It is often combined with a nerve block or local anaesthetic.

On the day of surgery — what will happen from an anaesthetic perspective?

Before going to theatre

On the day, your anaesthetist will review your completed questionnaire, your medical history, medications and allergies. Your anaesthetic plan will be discussed. Once your questions are answered, you’ll be taken to the anaesthetic room.

In the anaesthetic room or theatre

A safety checklist will be carried out (patient name, procedure, allergies, monitoring setup). A drip will be placed. Monitoring of heart rate, BP, oxygen will begin. You will be given oxygen and intravenous medication to either drift off to sleep or relax, depending on the plan. If required, a tube will be placed into your mouth/breathing route. If you are receiving a nerve block, the block is then done and sedation may follow, then the surgery proceeds.

After theatre

After your procedure, you’ll go to the recovery area. Here specialist nurses and the anaesthetic team will look after you while you wake up and we give any extra pain relief or anti-sickness drugs you need. Once you are awake, comfortable, not feeling sick and capable of safely eating/drinking, you will be transferred to your room (or home, if day-case). If going home, a responsible adult must take you.

How much pain will I have when I wake up?

No two patients are alike — pain depends on surgery type, tissue involved, any drains, etc. We aim to give you as much pain relief as needed during and after surgery. Your recovery nurse will monitor and adjust. The goal is to keep you as comfortable as possible.

Are there side-effects to pain relief medication?

Yes, some side-effects may include constipation, nausea, itching or drowsiness. Please inform your nurse if you experience these. Addiction is extremely unlikely over the short period of post-operative use.

More Information

Further guidance and resources are available from specialist bodies, for example:

Information for patients and relatives (Royal College of Anaesthetists)
Anaesthesia information for children and parents
Risks associated with anaesthesia
Approved anaesthesia information leaflets

Frequenty Asked Questions

Which anaesthetic will I need?

This depends on the nature of your surgery, your choice, and what is medically appropriate. Your surgeon and anaesthetist will discuss these options with you.

Will I wake up during my general anaesthetic?

When administered properly, it is designed so you do not wake up or feel what is happening. Awareness under general anaesthesia is exceedingly rare.

Will I remember anything that happened during my operation?

If you have a general anaesthetic, it is designed so you should not remember.
If you have sedation combined with regional or local anaesthesia, you may remember parts of the procedure, though you should not feel pain because the area is numb.

Will I wake up after the operation?

Yes — with modern anaesthesia and surgical techniques it is very rare for someone not to wake up in the expected timeframe.

I have other medical issues — what then?

If you have other significant health conditions, you may be offered a pre-operative assessment clinic appointment with one of our anaesthetists. This gives us the chance to assess your fitness, answer your questions in more detail, and plan your safest option. (Note: there may be a separate fee for this consultation.)