Anaesthetic

Written by Dr Gordon FN Smith, consultant anaesthetist

What is a 'premed'?

While waiting for their operation, patients are given a medicine known as a 'premed' to make them them feel slightly drowsy and stop them becoming anxious. They might not even remember going to the operating theatre or being put to sleep.

Where and how does the patient go to sleep?

Patients are given a small injection in the hand to make them go to sleep. This usually takes place in a room next to the operating theatre. Some patients - especially children - have an anaesthetic cream rubbed onto the skin beforehand so that they won't even feel the injection. Others are given a mixture of gases to put them to sleep very quickly.

Day-case patients are usually taken straight to the operating theatre. Parents are encouraged to stay with their children until they are asleep.

How and where does the patient wake up?

After the operation, the anaesthetist stops giving the medicines that were keeping the patient unconscious and he or she is taken to a recovery room where there are specially trained staff. The longer the operation, the longer it takes to wake up. When the patient has woken up completely, they are taken back to the ward. Occasionally, people recover consciousness in the operating theatre once their operation is over. This is quite safe.

How do people feel when they wake up?

Patients often feel cold and slightly confused. They may have pain or feel a bit sick, but these symptoms can be treated when the anaesthetist visits the patients to check that they are alright.

What is it like after the operation?

How people feel after the operation depends on the kind of surgery they have had. They will be encouraged to get out of bed as soon as possible and will be usually be allowed to eat and drink in the first few hours after a minor operation.

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