What we do

Anaesthetic care tailored to your procedure

We provide expert anaesthetic care tailored to your needs, aiming to keep you safe, comfortable and well-supported before, during and after your procedure. Your anaesthetist will discuss the options with you and agree the most suitable plan.

How your anaesthetic is planned

Before your procedure, your anaesthetist will talk through the anaesthetic options that are appropriate for your surgery and your general health. Together, you will agree a plan that balances comfort, safety and recovery.

Your anaesthetic may involve one type of anaesthesia or a combination of techniques, such as general anaesthesia with a nerve block for pain relief afterwards.

At a glance

  • • Discussion of your medical history and planned procedure.
  • • Explanation of suitable anaesthetic options.
  • • Time to ask questions and raise any concerns.
  • • Agreed plan for your operation and recovery.

Types of anaesthesia we use

The main types of anaesthesia used by our consultants are described below. Your anaesthetist will explain which approach is recommended for your operation.

General anaesthesia

General anaesthesia is commonly required for a wide range of surgical procedures. It induces a controlled state of unconsciousness, ensuring you feel nothing and have no memory of the operation.

Anaesthetic drugs are given either through an injection into a vein or by inhaling anaesthetic gases. These medications prevent the brain from processing sensory signals from the body.

Throughout the procedure, the anaesthetic team closely monitors your vital signs, and your anaesthetist remains by your side at all times, ensuring your safety and comfort.

Regional anaesthesia

Regional anaesthesia numbs a specific group of nerves in the area where surgery is being performed. Common techniques include spinals and epidurals, often used for caesarean sections, bladder surgery, and hip or knee replacements.

Another form of regional anaesthesia is a nerve block, where an injection is placed near a nerve or nerve plexus. This can provide excellent pain relief during and after surgery.

Regional anaesthesia can be used on its own, allowing you to remain conscious but pain-free, or combined with general anaesthesia or sedation to enhance comfort and post-operative pain control.

Local anaesthesia

Local anaesthesia is used to numb a small, specific area of the body where the procedure is being performed. It is commonly administered by the surgeon.

It is frequently used for operations on the teeth, skin, eyes and digits. Local anaesthetic can be applied as drops, sprays, ointments or injections.

In many cases this does not require the presence of an anaesthetist, unless intravenous sedation is also being given.

Sedation

Sedation involves giving small amounts of anaesthetic drugs to create a ‘sleep-like’ state. It can make you feel calm, drowsy and less aware of the procedure.

There are different levels of sedation, but typically you may drift in and out of sleep. You may be able to respond to your clinician when needed, but are unlikely to remember much of the procedure.

Sedation is often combined with regional or local anaesthesia to improve comfort and reduce anxiety during certain procedures.

Trusted information about anaesthesia

The Royal College of Anaesthetists provides high-quality information about different types of anaesthesia. You may find the following resources helpful:

Royal College of Anaesthetists

Types of anaesthesia

An overview of the different types of anaesthesia used in the UK.

Open resource →

Royal College of Anaesthetists

Peripheral nerve blocks

Information on nerve blocks used for pain relief during and after surgery.

Open resource →

For further leaflets and videos, please also see our Resources page .

☎ If you have questions about your anaesthetic, please call 01293 886603 or visit our Contact page.