Types of anaesthetic:
General
A general anaesthetic is a mixture of drugs to
keep you unconscious and pain free during an
operation. During the operation different drugs
will be given at particular times for a specific
purpose.
Drugs are injected into the bloodstream via a
vein and/or breathed in as gases or vapours
into the lungs. A breathing tube may be put
into your throat or windpipe to help you breathe
while under the anaesthetic. The tube is
removed as you wake up after surgery.
Local
You may be able to stay awake during a major
operation under local anaesthetic. Sedation
can be given if you wish. Local anaesthetic
includes epidural and spinal anaesthetic. This
is the injection of local anaesthetic drugs,
sometimes a pain killer, into the back to numb
a large part of the body. These techniques are
used to relieve pain during the operation, and/
or for pain relief afterwards.
Local anaesthetic can also be used to numb
small areas such as the site of the operation,
or as nerve blocks to numb a larger area for
surgery such as the chest, abdomen, legs and
eyes. Local anaesthetic may be also be
combined with general anaesthesia.
Risks from the anaesthetic:
The risk of a healthy person dying
unexpectedly during anaesthesia is less than
the risk of dying in a car accident. However,
risks do exist. Whilst these events are usually
temporary, some of them may cause longterm
problems.
Common unwanted side effects
Nausea or vomiting.
Headache.
Pain and/or bruising at injection sites.
Sore or dry throat and lips.
Blurred or double vision.
Less common unwanted side effects
Muscle aches and pains.
Weakness.
Mild allergic reaction – itching or rash.
Uncommon and unwanted effects
Awareness under general anaesthetic.
Damage to teeth, dental prosthetics and
lips.
Damage to the voice box and chords,
which may cause temporary loss of voice.
Allergic reactions and/or asthma.
Blood clot in the leg.
Damage to nerves and pressure areas.
Epileptic seizure.
Rare risks which may cause death
Severe allergy or shock.
Very high temperature.
Stroke or heart attack.
Vomit in the lungs (pneumonia).
Paralysis.
Blood clot in the lungs.
Brain injury.
Increased risks
Risks are increased in elderly patients and by:
- A bad cold or flu, asthma or other chest
disease. - Smoking.
- Being overweight.
- Diabetes.
- Heart disease.
- Kidney disease.
- High blood pressure.
- Other serious medical conditions.
Risks of a local anaesthetic
Nerve damage, due to bleeding, infection or
other causes, is an additional specific risk with
local anaesthesia. This may cause weakness
and/ or numbness of the body part that the
nerve goes to. This is usually mild and
temporary.
Additional specific risks with spinal and
epidural anaesthesia are:
(a) Rarely, nerve damage, which may be
severe and permanent. This may cause
paralysis of the lower half of the body
(paraplegia) or all of the body
(quadriplegia).