Types of Anaesthsia
Anaesthesia means a loss of sensation to make a procedure as pain free as possible, and there are a number of different types of anaesthetic (explained below). The type depends on the surgery you are having and your medical history, among other things. This will be discussed with you by your surgeon and anaesthetist in advance of the procedure.
General Anaesthesia
General Anaesthesia is a drug-induced lack of consciousness where the patient will not respond to the pain of the procedure. A General Anaesthetic (GA) is usually given by an injection into a vein and is maintained throughout the procedure by the inhalation of an anaesthetic gas mixture. The Anaesthesiologist monitors the patient’s vital signs throughout the procedure and stays with them through to the recovery ward.
Regional Anaesthetic
This is where an entire area of your body, for example your arm, is ‘blocked’ or numbed. A nerve or a group of nerves are anaesthetised using an injection of local Anaesthesia and when used in conjunction with a General Anaesthetic can help with post-operative pain by leaving a region of the body numb for many hours after a procedure.
Spinal Anaesthetic
A Spinal Anaesthetic both numbs and paralyses the lower half of the body for up to four hours. It is injected between bones in the lower back and is commonly used for hip and knee replacement surgery. While the patient is generally awake for surgery, many opt for sedation in the theatre.
Local Anaesthetic
A small area of the body can be numbed with a Local Anaesthetic, and while the patient is awake, no other drugs are required. Unnecessary fasting is also avoided by the use of a Local Anaesthetic.
Sedation
Sedation means you are less deeply asleep than during a General Anaesthetic. Procedures such as colonoscopy, bronchoscopy or the fitting of a pacemaker use sedation. Also, some patients may request or benefit from sedation during local or regional Anaesthesia to reduce anxiety.
Delivery Method
All the described types of anaesthetic are usually injected into a vein. Sometimes gas may be inhaled through a mask, which is commonly used to put children to sleep.
Additional Information
Please find some further useful information on caring for someone who has had a general anaesthetic or sedation: