Anaesthesia Consultations

Anaesthesia and Your Surgery: What to Expect

A key aspect of your surgery is effective anaesthesia. Dr Liddell works with a team of skilled anaesthetists to determine the best type of anaesthesia for your procedure, based on your health and individual needs. Your anaesthetist will usually meet you on the day of your surgery, but may contact you beforehand to discuss your medical history.

Although anaesthesia is often thought of as “being put to sleep,” it actually involves a carefully controlled state where your vital functions are closely monitored to ensure you feel no pain during surgery.

Here’s a breakdown of the types of anaesthesia typically used for orthopaedic procedures:

General Anaesthesia: You are completely unconscious and pain-free, typically used for extensive surgeries. Administered through IV or inhaled gases, with constant monitoring of vital signs throughout the surgery.
Regional Anaesthesia: Numbs a larger part of the body while you remain awake or lightly sedated. This is commonly used for limb surgeries like total hip or knee replacement procedures.

Types of Regional Anaesthesia:

Spinal Anaesthesia: Injected into the lower back for lower body surgeries.
Epidural Anaesthesia: A catheter is inserted into the spine for prolonged pain relief.
Peripheral Nerve Blocks: Localised to block pain in a specific area, like the arm or leg.

Local Anaesthesia: Numbs a small area for minor surgeries, with you remaining fully alert. This is ideal for small-scale procedures.
Sedation: This helps to relax you, ranging from minimal to deep sedation, often used in combination with other anaesthetic methods to provide comfort.

YOUR ROLE IN PREPARING FOR ANAESTHESIA

To ensure your anaesthetic experience is safe, follow these guidelines:

Fasting: Avoid food and drink for 4 hours before surgery. Non-compliance may delay your operation.
Health Optimisation: Regular exercise, quitting smoking at least 6 weeks prior, and reducing alcohol intake will improve your surgery outcome.
Medication Management: Continue prescribed medications unless advised otherwise. Inform your anaesthetist and Dr Liddell about all medications, particularly blood thinners like aspirin.
If you have concerns or specific health conditions, request a consultation with your anaesthetist before your surgery to discuss them.

POST-SURGERY MONITORING

Your anaesthetist will continue to monitor you closely after the procedure to ensure your recovery is smooth. You may feel drowsy, have a sore throat, or experience mild nausea. Theseare temporary effects that will pass as you wake up fully.

You will be encouraged to take deep breaths, and you’ll receive oxygen to aid in recovery. Once stable and comfortable, you’ll be transferred to a ward or recovery area. Mild dizziness or memory issues may occur but are generally short-lived.

Dr Liddell and the anaesthesia team aim to make your surgical experience as pain-free and comfortable as possible while ensuring your safety at every stage.