Types of anaesthetic

The type of Anaesthetic you receive will depend on the nature,site and duration of the surgery.

1. General Anaesthesia – you are put into a state of unconsciousness for the whole operation.This involves either giving an injection of an anaesthetic drug or breathing an anaesthetic gas,to make you sleep.While you remain unaware of what is happening around you,the anaesthetist monitors your condition closely and constantly adjusts the level of anaesthetic.

2. Regional Anaesthesia – A nerve block numbs the part of the body where the surgeon operates.This is often used for surgery on the hand,arm,hip or knee and for Caesarian sections.Examples include spinal and epidural anaesthesia,arm blocks and eye blocks.Local anaesthetic is injected near the major nerve pathways to the part of the body where the operation is.You can be wide awake or if you prefer the anaesthetist can give you other drugs to make you relaxed and drowsy.

3. Local Anaesthesia – A local anaesthetic is injected at the site of the surgery to cause numbness.You will be awake.A local anaes thetic is often used for small skin lesions.

4. Monitored Sedation -Your anaesthetists uses a special range of drugs to keep you comfortable and sleepy but able to respond to questions if needed. Sometimes a combination of these types of anaesthetic are used to produce the best result for you.