Anaesthetic

Your anaesthetist is a most highly trained doctor.

All of Braemar's anaesthetists have spent 6 years to obtain their medical degree and then a further seven years with examinations and practical experience before qualifying as a Specialist Anaesthetist.

This experience includes all types of anaesthetic, intensive care, resuscitation and the treatment of pain.

Types of Anaesthetic:

The type of anaesthetic you receive will depend on the nature, site and duration of the surgery.

1. General Anaesthesia - is usually given by an injection of drugs into a vein through a plastic needle or fluid drip.

2. Regional Anaesthesia - A nerve block that numbs the part of the body where the surgeon operates. Examples include spinal and epidural anaesthesia, arm blocks and eye blocks.

3. Local Anaesthesia - A local anaesthetic is injected at the site of the surgery to cause numbness. You will be awake. A local anaesthetic is often used for small skin lesions.

4. Monitored Sedation -Your anaesthetists uses a special range of drugs to keep you comfortable and sleepy but able to respond to questions if needed.

For more information see the booklet "Understanding Anaesthesia" that will be made available to you if you are having an anaesthetic at a Braemar hospital.