Undergoing surgery

Anyone facing an operation will be nervous. Knowing what to expect will help you feel more at ease. Each surgery is unique. Your doctor can provide details and answer any questions you may have. The more you know about your surgery, the better you can take part in getting well. Do not hesitate to ask your doctor the details of the surgery. It is your body and you have every right to know what will be done.

Anaesthesia

After you have been taken into the operating room, you will be moved to the operating table. Monitors will be attached to your chest, arms, and other parts of your body before the anesthetic is given.

The choice of anaesthesia will depend on the type of operation, the state of your health, your wishes, and other factors.

General anaesthesia

General anaesthesia makes you unconscious. First, you may be given oxygen through a mask placed over your nose and mouth. The anaesthetic is then given through your IV line. After you are asleep, you will still receive the anaesthesia through the IV line, the mask, or a tube that is placed into your mouth and down your windpipe. This tube will be removed shortly after the operation.

Regional anaesthesia

Regional anaesthesia does not make you unconscious. It works by blocking feeling in a region of the body. You may still feel a sense of pressure in this part of your body during the operation. The two kinds of regional anaesthesia are spinal and epidural. Regional anaesthesia for surgery in the pelvic area is given as an injection from a needle into the lower back. To receive regional anaesthesia, you will be asked to sit up or lie on your side. You will be asked not to move while the needle is being placed in position.

Local anaesthesia

Local anaesthesia is given by an injection into the area where the doctor will operate. It does not numb as large an area as a regional anaesthetic does. Like regional anaesthesia, local anaesthesia takes away pain but not feelings of pressure.