About your anaesthetic

The word anaesthesia means “without feeling”. Anaesthesia involves rendering a person unconscious or insensible to pain to allow surgery or medical procedures to take place. It is a complex process that includes managing unconsciousness, maintaining an open airway and breathing, supporting blood pressure and heart function, and relieving pain and anxiety.

Anaesthesia is classified as a “critical care” specialty due to the potential for serious complications if not administered by a trained specialist. Your anaesthetist will carefully assess your medical history, current health, and the specifics of your procedure to choose the safest and most effective anaesthetic plan. They remain with you throughout your procedure, continuously monitoring and managing your comfort, safety, and vital signs.

An anaesthetist is a specialist medical doctor who has completed a five- or six-year medical degree followed by a minimum of five years of advanced training in anaesthesia, intensive care, and pain medicine. Their training includes hands-on hospital work, practical assessments, and examinations.

Some anaesthetists undertake additional sub-specialty training. For example, paediatric anaesthetists complete further training in specialist children’s hospitals, gaining expertise in the care of newborns, infants, and children with complex needs.

Your anaesthetist will meet with you before your procedure, discuss your health and medical history, and work with you to develop the safest and most appropriate anaesthetic plan. They are also responsible for your recovery and pain management after the procedure.

There are four main types of anaesthesia, which are often used in combination:

• Local anaesthesia: Numbs a small area of skin. Commonly used for minor procedures, with little to no downtime.
• Regional anaesthesia: Numbs a larger area of the body by targeting specific nerves. Examples include spinal or epidural anaesthesia and nerve blocks to target specific areas of the body. This technique is often used for labour, joint replacements, and abdominal surgery. Ultrasound guidance is often used for safety and precision.
• Sedation: Uses small doses of anaesthetic medication to make you relaxed, sleepy, and comfortable. It’s typically used for minor procedures such as endoscopy and is shorter acting than general anaesthesia.
• General anaesthesia: You are fully unconscious with no awareness or memory of the procedure. Your anaesthetist controls your breathing, pain relief, muscle relaxation, and all vital functions throughout.

Modern anaesthesia in Australia is extremely safe due to advanced medications, equipment, and the high level of training anaesthetists receive. However, as with any medical treatment, risks exist.

Common side effects include:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Sore throat or damage to teeth or gums
• Mild confusion or drowsiness
• Bruising at injection sites

Uncommon but serious risks may include:

• Allergic reactions to medications
• Breathing or heart complications
• Stroke or heart attack
• Temporary or permanent nerve damage (in regional anaesthesia)
• Awareness under anaesthesia (rare)
• Death (rare)

The likelihood of complications is influenced by your general health, the type of procedure, and individual risk factors such as smoking, obesity, or heart disease. Your anaesthetist will discuss any specific risks relevant to your situation.

Spinal and epidural anaesthesia may also cause:

• Headache (known as a “spinal headache”)
• Temporary numbness or weakness
• Rare risks such as bleeding, infection, or nerve injury

We strongly encourage patients to stop smoking as early as possible before surgery to reduce the risk of complications.