For some types of surgery it is not necessary to have a general anaesthetic and you can have your surgery under regional anaesthesia and sedation. Local anaesthetic is injected near to nerves and the part of your body that you will be operated on will go numb. This enables the surgeon to perform the operation. You remain conscious but with sedation you will feel relaxed or even sleepy during the operation. You will feel movements but no pain. You cannot see the operation, as there are screens between you and the surgical field. There is always an anaesthetist or assistant with you if you have any questions. You may bring your CD player or i-pod and listen to music. If you wish you can have more sedation to feel sleepy.
Different types of regional anaesthesia:
- Spinal anaesthetic
- Epidural anaesthetic
- Nerve block
Different types of regional anaesthesia can be combined. Often regional anaesthesia is given for pain relief in addition to a general anaesthetic.
Epidural anaesthetic
Epidural anaesthesia during and after surgery | The Royal College of Anaesthetists
Spinal anaesthetic
Your spinal anaesthetic | The Royal College of Anaesthetists
Further Information
www.rcoa.ac.uk/
More information
Contact POAC on 0121 658 4035 - 8:30am - 4pm.
