FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ's)
Preparation for Anaesthesia
Should I take my normal medication?
Why must I fast?
Why does the anaesthetist look in my mouth and ask about my teeth?
I have a cold. Do I need to do anything?
I am feeling anxious about my operation. What can I do?
I have difficult veins. What can be done to help find a vein?
I am needle phobic. What are my options?
Why do I need to remove makeup and nail polish?
Anaesthesia
I get severe nausea and vomiting after an anaesthetic. What can be done about this?
Could I be allergic to anaesthetics?
Will I wake up during surgery? Can I dream?
Is there a chance that I will not wake up at the end?
I had a general anaesthetic recently. Is there a problem with having another anaesthetic so close together?
After Anaesthesia
What pain killers should I take afterwards?
When can I drive?
Why do I need someone at home with me after the operation?
Preparation for Anaesthesia
Should I take my normal medication?
Why must I fast?
Why does the anaesthetist look in my mouth and ask about my teeth?
I have a cold. Do I need to do anything?
I am feeling anxious about my operation. What can I do?
I have difficult veins. What can be done to help find a vein?
I am needle phobic. What are my options?
Why do I need to remove makeup and nail polish?
Anaesthesia
I get severe nausea and vomiting after an anaesthetic. What can be done about this?
Could I be allergic to anaesthetics?
Will I wake up during surgery? Can I dream?
Is there a chance that I will not wake up at the end?
I had a general anaesthetic recently. Is there a problem with having another anaesthetic so close together?
After Anaesthesia
What pain killers should I take afterwards?
When can I drive?
Why do I need someone at home with me after the operation?
Preparation for Anaesthesia
Should I take my normal medication?
See “Preparation" under "Your Anaesthetic"
Why must I fast?
If there is food or liquid in your stomach while you are anaesthetised, it may come up into the back of your throat and then go back down into your lungs. This can cause choking or serious damage to your lungs.
Why Does the Anaesthetist look in my mouth and ask about my teeth?
During your anaesthetic your anaesthetist will look after your breathing. The anaesthetist will usually place a breathing tube in your throat when you are unconscious. This is not always straightforward and damage to your teeth is a possibility, especially if those at the front are already loose or you have crowns that are not as strong.
If you have any loose or damaged teeth, you should ask your dentist to look at them before your anaesthetic to reduce the risk of them becoming displaced.
Your anaesthetist will check how well you can open your mouth and assess your mouth opening. If you have any problems with your jaw, opening your mouth, or have a stiff neck, make sure you tell your anaesthetist.
I have a cold. Do I need to do anything?
If you have a cold you are required to inform the anaesthetist, surgeon or nurse as early as possible. The severity can often be assessed over the phone, however, a visit to your GP may be necessary.
A mild runny nose is often ok as long as the operation is on another part of the body. Severe sore throats, fevers, shortness of breath and coughs productive of sputum require that surgery be delayed until symptoms resolve. This is because respiratory tract infections can increase the risk of complications under a general anaesthetic or sedation e.g. An increased risk of the airway or lung closing up similar to an asthma attack.
I am feeling anxious about my operation. What can I do?
It is very common to be anxious before an operation. If it is your first operation, you should make sure you have asked all relevant questions to your surgeon. If you have forgotten to ask something, write your questions down. You may also like to read the hospital information sheets. Avoid researching deeply on “Dr Google” as the accuracy of the information provided cannot be guaranteed.
In the time before your operation, it can help to exercise and eat healthily if you are able to. It is good to spend some time with friends or family and focus on planning for when you are home after the operation (so you do not need to worry when you are in hospital about, for example, childcare, paying bills).
Many techniques including mindfulness, relaxation and breathing exercises or yoga could help you relax before and after your surgery.
It is useful to plan ahead and organise things to take into hospital to keep your mind occupied. You might want to read a book, listen to music through headphones or take some reading material.
Anaesthetic and surgical staff will provide you with as much information as you require on the day of the surgery. They are accustomed to looking after anxious patients.
If your anxiety is very severe, mention it to your anaesthetist who may be able to offer you a sedative before your operation e.g., Valium (diazepam) administered as a tablet. This can take 30-60 mins to take effect.
I have difficult veins. What can be done to help find a vein?
If healthcare professionals have found it difficult to take blood or put in a cannula in the past, it can be helpful to say which vein usually works best. Veins can be more difficult to find if you have had chemotherapy or have needed many cannulas in the past. Veins can be more difficult to find in people who have obesity. An anaesthetist might be able to use an ultrasound machine to see where the veins are, which can make inserting the needle easier and quicker.
Things that you can do to make it easier for the anaesthetist include keeping well hydrated and wrapping your arms in a warm towel. You can keep hydrated by drinking clear fluids (no more than 1 cup per hour) till up to 2 hours prior to your surgery. You can ask for warm towels from nursing staff in the waiting area. This is best done 30 mins prior to the cannula being inserted.
I am needle phobic. What are my options?
It is normal to have some anxiety about needles. Most people have concerns that they will feel pain when having a needle. This is normal.
Some people can have more severe anxiety or a phobia. It is important to try and manage your fear or phobia and seek help well in advance of your planned operation. You can speak with your GP about any support available in your area. Psychotherapy or support from a mental health professional may be recommended for those who have severe anxiety or phobia.
If you worry about pain from a needle, you can discuss whether you could have some local anaesthetic cream to numb the area. This can take 30-40 mins to work, however, will not work if the needle has to be inserted in another area.
In some cases, severe anxiety and phobias may require treatment with a sedative drug prior e.g., Valium (diazepam) administered as a tablet. This can also take 30-60 mins to take effect.
Why do I need to remove makeup and nail polish?
Please avoid wearing makeup on the day you come in for your operation. Mascara can make your eyes sore if particles slip into your eyes during the operation.
False eyelashes should be removed before you come into hospital – during an anaesthetic your eyes are kept gently shut using tape and false eye lashes may be damaged or displaced.
During an anaesthetic, your anaesthetist may need to secure monitoring equipment to your skin – body lotions, foundation and face cream can make this more difficult as they may prevent heart monitor pads and dressings from sticking properly.
You should also remove nail varnish and, usually, false nails. False nails and varnish may interfere with equipment monitoring the oxygen level in your blood. This is because a finger monitoring clip is used that shines a light through a nail.
Should I take my normal medication?
See “Preparation" under "Your Anaesthetic"
Why must I fast?
If there is food or liquid in your stomach while you are anaesthetised, it may come up into the back of your throat and then go back down into your lungs. This can cause choking or serious damage to your lungs.
Why Does the Anaesthetist look in my mouth and ask about my teeth?
During your anaesthetic your anaesthetist will look after your breathing. The anaesthetist will usually place a breathing tube in your throat when you are unconscious. This is not always straightforward and damage to your teeth is a possibility, especially if those at the front are already loose or you have crowns that are not as strong.
If you have any loose or damaged teeth, you should ask your dentist to look at them before your anaesthetic to reduce the risk of them becoming displaced.
Your anaesthetist will check how well you can open your mouth and assess your mouth opening. If you have any problems with your jaw, opening your mouth, or have a stiff neck, make sure you tell your anaesthetist.
I have a cold. Do I need to do anything?
If you have a cold you are required to inform the anaesthetist, surgeon or nurse as early as possible. The severity can often be assessed over the phone, however, a visit to your GP may be necessary.
A mild runny nose is often ok as long as the operation is on another part of the body. Severe sore throats, fevers, shortness of breath and coughs productive of sputum require that surgery be delayed until symptoms resolve. This is because respiratory tract infections can increase the risk of complications under a general anaesthetic or sedation e.g. An increased risk of the airway or lung closing up similar to an asthma attack.
I am feeling anxious about my operation. What can I do?
It is very common to be anxious before an operation. If it is your first operation, you should make sure you have asked all relevant questions to your surgeon. If you have forgotten to ask something, write your questions down. You may also like to read the hospital information sheets. Avoid researching deeply on “Dr Google” as the accuracy of the information provided cannot be guaranteed.
In the time before your operation, it can help to exercise and eat healthily if you are able to. It is good to spend some time with friends or family and focus on planning for when you are home after the operation (so you do not need to worry when you are in hospital about, for example, childcare, paying bills).
Many techniques including mindfulness, relaxation and breathing exercises or yoga could help you relax before and after your surgery.
It is useful to plan ahead and organise things to take into hospital to keep your mind occupied. You might want to read a book, listen to music through headphones or take some reading material.
Anaesthetic and surgical staff will provide you with as much information as you require on the day of the surgery. They are accustomed to looking after anxious patients.
If your anxiety is very severe, mention it to your anaesthetist who may be able to offer you a sedative before your operation e.g., Valium (diazepam) administered as a tablet. This can take 30-60 mins to take effect.
I have difficult veins. What can be done to help find a vein?
If healthcare professionals have found it difficult to take blood or put in a cannula in the past, it can be helpful to say which vein usually works best. Veins can be more difficult to find if you have had chemotherapy or have needed many cannulas in the past. Veins can be more difficult to find in people who have obesity. An anaesthetist might be able to use an ultrasound machine to see where the veins are, which can make inserting the needle easier and quicker.
Things that you can do to make it easier for the anaesthetist include keeping well hydrated and wrapping your arms in a warm towel. You can keep hydrated by drinking clear fluids (no more than 1 cup per hour) till up to 2 hours prior to your surgery. You can ask for warm towels from nursing staff in the waiting area. This is best done 30 mins prior to the cannula being inserted.
I am needle phobic. What are my options?
It is normal to have some anxiety about needles. Most people have concerns that they will feel pain when having a needle. This is normal.
Some people can have more severe anxiety or a phobia. It is important to try and manage your fear or phobia and seek help well in advance of your planned operation. You can speak with your GP about any support available in your area. Psychotherapy or support from a mental health professional may be recommended for those who have severe anxiety or phobia.
If you worry about pain from a needle, you can discuss whether you could have some local anaesthetic cream to numb the area. This can take 30-40 mins to work, however, will not work if the needle has to be inserted in another area.
In some cases, severe anxiety and phobias may require treatment with a sedative drug prior e.g., Valium (diazepam) administered as a tablet. This can also take 30-60 mins to take effect.
Why do I need to remove makeup and nail polish?
Please avoid wearing makeup on the day you come in for your operation. Mascara can make your eyes sore if particles slip into your eyes during the operation.
False eyelashes should be removed before you come into hospital – during an anaesthetic your eyes are kept gently shut using tape and false eye lashes may be damaged or displaced.
During an anaesthetic, your anaesthetist may need to secure monitoring equipment to your skin – body lotions, foundation and face cream can make this more difficult as they may prevent heart monitor pads and dressings from sticking properly.
You should also remove nail varnish and, usually, false nails. False nails and varnish may interfere with equipment monitoring the oxygen level in your blood. This is because a finger monitoring clip is used that shines a light through a nail.
Anaesthesia
I get severe nausea and vomiting after an anaesthetic. What can be done about this?
Your anaesthetist will assess your risk of nausea and vomiting before your operation. There are many options for the prevention of nausea and vomiting. The two main strategies are keeping hydrated with intravenous fluids (via the drip) and anti-nausea medications. Sometimes 2 or 3 of these anti-nausea medications are used in combination. In cases of severe nausea and vomiting, your anaesthetist may decide to administer your anaesthetic via the drip rather than via gas. In severe cases of nausea and vomiting not helped by these modalities, an option can be to stay awake or lightly sedated for the procedure with the help of a nerve block to numb the area of surgery. This avoids the nauseating effects of general anaesthesia and pain killers.
Could I be allergic to anaesthetics?
Allergic reactions can happen with almost any drug. Anaphylaxis is the name given to a severe allergic reaction. An anaesthetist uses a combination of drugs to make you unconscious, pain free and unaware.
It is important to tell your anaesthetist about any allergies you have and bring as many details as you can. This allows the anaesthetist to make any necessary alterations.
Regardless of whether you have allergies or not, your anaesthetist uses equipment during the anaesthetic that helps to pick up signs of an allergic reaction.
Will I wake up during surgery? Can I dream?
It is very rare for a person to be aware during a general anaesthetic. Rarely people may remember the feeling of a tube in the throat being taken out as they wake up. Unfortunately, a general anaesthetic cannot be performed without a breathing tube so they go hand-in-hand. Some people also have dreams around the time they wake up.
In 2014 the Royal College of Anaesthetists and the Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland published a large study on accidental awareness during general anaesthesia. The study showed that awareness happens in only 1 in 20,000 patients during a general anaesthetic. Since then, advances in equipment and in monitoring the level of anaesthesia have helped to reduce the chances of this happening. An anaesthetist will be with you all the time during your surgery and watching all monitoring equipment closely to check you are getting the right amount of anaesthetic to keep you unaware and pain free.
Is there a chance that I will not wake up at the end?
It is extremely rare that a person will not wake up from the anaesthetic, and it becomes even rarer for elective surgery in a fit and healthy person.
In some circumstances, patients are kept asleep by the anaesthetist on purpose and sent to the intensive care unit, commonly known as an “induced coma”. This may occur when:
patients have pre-existing health problems e.g., Severe heart or lung disease, or long and complex surgeries. The patient will then be slowly woken up by intensive care staff when safe to do so.
I had a general anaesthetic recently. Is there a problem with having another anaesthetic so close together?
There is normally no increased risk in having two anaesthetics close together. This applies whether they are general, local, regional or sedation.
I get severe nausea and vomiting after an anaesthetic. What can be done about this?
Your anaesthetist will assess your risk of nausea and vomiting before your operation. There are many options for the prevention of nausea and vomiting. The two main strategies are keeping hydrated with intravenous fluids (via the drip) and anti-nausea medications. Sometimes 2 or 3 of these anti-nausea medications are used in combination. In cases of severe nausea and vomiting, your anaesthetist may decide to administer your anaesthetic via the drip rather than via gas. In severe cases of nausea and vomiting not helped by these modalities, an option can be to stay awake or lightly sedated for the procedure with the help of a nerve block to numb the area of surgery. This avoids the nauseating effects of general anaesthesia and pain killers.
Could I be allergic to anaesthetics?
Allergic reactions can happen with almost any drug. Anaphylaxis is the name given to a severe allergic reaction. An anaesthetist uses a combination of drugs to make you unconscious, pain free and unaware.
It is important to tell your anaesthetist about any allergies you have and bring as many details as you can. This allows the anaesthetist to make any necessary alterations.
Regardless of whether you have allergies or not, your anaesthetist uses equipment during the anaesthetic that helps to pick up signs of an allergic reaction.
Will I wake up during surgery? Can I dream?
It is very rare for a person to be aware during a general anaesthetic. Rarely people may remember the feeling of a tube in the throat being taken out as they wake up. Unfortunately, a general anaesthetic cannot be performed without a breathing tube so they go hand-in-hand. Some people also have dreams around the time they wake up.
In 2014 the Royal College of Anaesthetists and the Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland published a large study on accidental awareness during general anaesthesia. The study showed that awareness happens in only 1 in 20,000 patients during a general anaesthetic. Since then, advances in equipment and in monitoring the level of anaesthesia have helped to reduce the chances of this happening. An anaesthetist will be with you all the time during your surgery and watching all monitoring equipment closely to check you are getting the right amount of anaesthetic to keep you unaware and pain free.
Is there a chance that I will not wake up at the end?
It is extremely rare that a person will not wake up from the anaesthetic, and it becomes even rarer for elective surgery in a fit and healthy person.
In some circumstances, patients are kept asleep by the anaesthetist on purpose and sent to the intensive care unit, commonly known as an “induced coma”. This may occur when:
patients have pre-existing health problems e.g., Severe heart or lung disease, or long and complex surgeries. The patient will then be slowly woken up by intensive care staff when safe to do so.
I had a general anaesthetic recently. Is there a problem with having another anaesthetic so close together?
There is normally no increased risk in having two anaesthetics close together. This applies whether they are general, local, regional or sedation.
After Anaesthesia
What pain killers should I take afterwards?
Your anaesthetist will provide you with an analgesic plan following your surgery. People often under-estimate pain relieving abilities of simple medications like paracetamol (Panadol) and ibuprofen (nurofen). When these medications are used regularly and in combination, they are very effective at relieving pain and have minimal side-effects.
Stronger pain killers can then be used in addition to these simple analgesics. Following this regime will mean you will require less of the stronger pain killer thereby avoiding their side effects e.g., Drowsiness, nausea, constipation
As always please check with your doctor that you are suitable for these medications before taking them.
When can I drive?
The effects of anaesthetic drugs may last for around 24 hours, longer for major operations.
Following any general anaesthetic or sedation, you must not drive for at least 24 hours. This is because the drugs given during your anaesthetic or sedation can affect your reactions and how you think and make decisions. It takes at least 24 hours for your body to get rid of these medicines. It is also important to note that insurers may not cover you if you are in an accident as they may classify you as an “impaired” driver having had an anaesthetic in the past 24 hours.
Before getting back in the driving seat, you will need to be sure that you can use the brakes and drive safely without being distracted by pain.
If you are taking strong painkillers, you also need to be aware that these drugs can make you feel drowsy and can affect your driving.
Why do I need someone at home with me after the operation?
The effects of anaesthetic drugs may last for around 24 hours, longer for major operations. If the operation is to be done as a day case, you will need to have an able-bodied adult at home to be with you that night. People often underestimate the help that they may need after an operation while they recover.
You should not look after children during this time, use any dangerous equipment, drive or cook. If you think you will have significant difficulties looking after your children following an operation, talk to your family/friends/social worker. If you have pets, you should arrange for someone to look after them until you are able to look after them yourself.
You should also avoid making any important decisions and should be careful not to post anything on social media that you might later regret.
You may feel tired or even exhausted for some days after the operation. After major surgery, this can last for weeks or months. Healing after major surgery often leaves patients feeling exhausted.
What pain killers should I take afterwards?
Your anaesthetist will provide you with an analgesic plan following your surgery. People often under-estimate pain relieving abilities of simple medications like paracetamol (Panadol) and ibuprofen (nurofen). When these medications are used regularly and in combination, they are very effective at relieving pain and have minimal side-effects.
Stronger pain killers can then be used in addition to these simple analgesics. Following this regime will mean you will require less of the stronger pain killer thereby avoiding their side effects e.g., Drowsiness, nausea, constipation
As always please check with your doctor that you are suitable for these medications before taking them.
When can I drive?
The effects of anaesthetic drugs may last for around 24 hours, longer for major operations.
Following any general anaesthetic or sedation, you must not drive for at least 24 hours. This is because the drugs given during your anaesthetic or sedation can affect your reactions and how you think and make decisions. It takes at least 24 hours for your body to get rid of these medicines. It is also important to note that insurers may not cover you if you are in an accident as they may classify you as an “impaired” driver having had an anaesthetic in the past 24 hours.
Before getting back in the driving seat, you will need to be sure that you can use the brakes and drive safely without being distracted by pain.
If you are taking strong painkillers, you also need to be aware that these drugs can make you feel drowsy and can affect your driving.
Why do I need someone at home with me after the operation?
The effects of anaesthetic drugs may last for around 24 hours, longer for major operations. If the operation is to be done as a day case, you will need to have an able-bodied adult at home to be with you that night. People often underestimate the help that they may need after an operation while they recover.
You should not look after children during this time, use any dangerous equipment, drive or cook. If you think you will have significant difficulties looking after your children following an operation, talk to your family/friends/social worker. If you have pets, you should arrange for someone to look after them until you are able to look after them yourself.
You should also avoid making any important decisions and should be careful not to post anything on social media that you might later regret.
You may feel tired or even exhausted for some days after the operation. After major surgery, this can last for weeks or months. Healing after major surgery often leaves patients feeling exhausted.
