Anaesthesia.
Its not something to take lightly.
What is anaesthesia?
Anaesthesia is a word derived from the Greek, meaning ‘without sensation’. Anaesthesia may be applied to the whole body, when it is known as general anaesthesia, or to part of the body, when it is known as regional or local anaesthesia.
Who are anaesthetists?
An Anaesthetist is a Medical Specialist Doctor, who in addition to medical school (4-6 yrs) and general medical training (2-3 yrs) , has completed a minimum of 5 additional years specialty training and completed rigorous examination and assessment before being admitted to Fellowship.
What do they do?
Your anaesthetist is responsible for your overall health and safety from the start of your anaesthetic until you leave the recovery room after your operation. She will be with you throughout your operation, watching you and watching your surgeon.
Types of anaesthetic
Sedation or Twilight Anaesthesia
An altered state of awareness, like drifting into sleep at night. Sometimes you have memories of voices and dreams, and time passes differently, but at all times you feel calm and without pain.
The depth of sedation may be chosen like a dimmer switch, varying from light relaxation to what feels like a daytime nap.
General Anaesthesia
A state of unconsciousness, where your perception of time and memory will cease.
Typically your breathing will be controlled through an airway device. Your vital signs and level of brain activity will be continuously monitored. Your anaesthesia will be maintained until the surgery is finished.
Regional Anaesthesia
Used commonly as an addition to general anaesthesia or sedation.
A “nerve block” involves injecting local anaesthetic around the nerves that supply the area affected by surgery. This is to help your body feel less pain from the surgery and make your recovery easier.
Anaesthesia safety and risk
What influences your risk
Risks from anaesthesia have thankfully reduced over time.
A modern anaesthetic risk profile is influenced by:
your personal parameters such as age, weight and height;
your past medical history and
the type of surgery you are having.
This is why completing your questionnaire accurately and as early as possible is important.
Common and minor risks
A sore throat is not uncommon after general anaesthetic.
Feeling nauseous can occur, and is more likely if you suffer from motion sickness.
Having a disrupted / wakeful sleep on your first night after an anaesthetic is not unusual.
Constipation after strong pain relief tablets is almost universal. Take preventative measures early.
Rare or serious risks
Teeth which are loose, capped or solitary at the front of the mouth are more prone to damage.
Poor mouth opening, a stiff neck or a receeding chin can make it more difficult to manage your airway.
Allergic reactions to anaesthetic drugs can occur and can be life threatening.
The stress of surgery (equivalent to a brisk walk for 24 hours) can uncover issues with the heart or lungs.
Blood clots are more likely after long surgery and some types of surgery such as joint replacement. They can be life threatening.