Anaesthesia is a carefully controlled and supervised state, which allows surgery to be performed painlessly. It is more than “being put to sleep”. The anaesthetist has at all time information about your vital constants (oxygen in your blood, your heart rate or your blood pressure) and the level of unconsciousness.
Who is your anaesthetist?
Your anaesthetist is a fully trained, medically qualified doctor who has chosen to specialise in Anaesthesia.
What types of anaesthesia are available? There are four main types of anaesthesia:
- General anaesthesia
- Deep sedation
- Conscious sedation
- Regional anaesthesia
- Local anaesthesia
What is day-case or ambulatory surgery?
This means that you are admitted, have your operation and are discharged on the same day.
Day-case surgery is more frequent nowadays than inpatient surgery because it is more convenient for the patient and it is safer. It reduces cross-infections, formation of clots in your blood and facilitates a speedy return to your normal routines.
However, it requires some planning. You may come into hospital by car, taxi or metro, but you should not drive back home or travel without being accompanied by someone. Preferably, you should not be at home alone after the operation. Although most of the effects of the drugs given to you during the operation will be out of your system when discharged, you may feel a little out of sorts. We advise you to have a responsible adult with you should you experience any fainting or nausea. We will give you instructions and a number to call if this happens to you.
Are you worried about the anaesthesia?
Don’t worry, you are not alone, most people are. This is due to a lack of understanding of anaesthesia. Anaesthesia has come a long way since its inception, and it is a very safe medical intervention. We don’t normally worry about scuba-diving or driving in Dubai, yet these activities are more risky than having an anaesthetic. The majority of side-effects are minor and short-lived, like nausea or vomiting, feeling groggy and throat pain. These can be managed with adequate information and medication.