PATIENT INFORMATION
General Anaesthesia
A carefully monitored anaesthetic that keeps you unconscious and comfortable during your procedure.
General anaesthesia uses medication to place you into a controlled, temporary state of unconsciousness. While you are under anaesthetic, you will not be aware of what is happening and you will not feel pain.
Fully unconscious
You are asleep and unaware during the procedure.
Continuously monitored
Your breathing, oxygen levels, heart rate and blood pressure are carefully monitored.
Planned for your needs
Your anaesthesiologist tailors the anaesthetic to your health, procedure and recovery needs.
Will I be awake?
No. With general anaesthesia, you are fully unconscious during the procedure.
Will I feel pain?
No. The anaesthetic is planned so that you do not feel the procedure while it is taking place.
How is it given?
It may be given through a drip, as anaesthetic gas through a mask or breathing tube, or as a combination of both.
Who looks after me?
Your anaesthesiologist manages your anaesthetic and monitors you throughout.
OVERVIEW
What is general anaesthesia?
General anaesthesia is medication given to place you into a controlled, temporary state of unconsciousness. It allows procedures to be performed safely and comfortably when being awake would be painful, distressing or impractical.
Your anaesthesiologist is a specialist doctor who plans and gives your anaesthetic, monitors you throughout your procedure and helps manage your pain, comfort and safety before, during and after surgery.
How it may be given
- Through a drip into a vein
- As anaesthetic gas breathed in through a mask or breathing tube
- As a combination of both
- With additional pain relief such as local anaesthetic, a nerve block, spinal or epidural where appropriate
WHEN IT IS USED
When might general anaesthesia be recommended?
For comfort
General anaesthesia may be recommended when a procedure would be painful, uncomfortable or distressing while awake.
For safety and stillness
Some procedures require you to remain completely still so that the surgical team can work safely and effectively.
As part of a wider pain plan
General anaesthesia may be combined with other pain-relief techniques to support a smoother recovery.
PREPARING
Before your general anaesthetic
What your anaesthesiologist needs to know
- Previous operations or anaesthetics
- Allergies or reactions to medication
- Medical conditions such as asthma, heart problems, diabetes or high blood pressure
- All regular medication, including over-the-counter and herbal products
- Blood-thinning medication
- Loose teeth, dentures, crowns or dental work
- Recent illness, fever, cough, cold or infection
- Pregnancy or the possibility of pregnancy
Eating, drinking and medication
You will receive specific fasting instructions from the surgeon or anaesthesiology team. It is important to follow these carefully.
Most regular medication may be continued, but some medication needs special consideration before an anaesthetic. This includes blood-thinning medication, anticoagulants, diabetic medication and GLP-1 medication like Ozempic.
If you are unsure whether you may eat, drink or take medication, contact your surgeon or anaesthesiology team before doing so.
A note for parents and guardians
Children can safely have general anaesthesia when it is needed. The anaesthetic plan is adapted for the child’s age, health, procedure and individual needs.
Please tell the anaesthesiologist if your child has had a recent illness within the last 1-2 weeks (especially febrile or respiratory illnesses), previous operations or any previous problems with an anaesthetic.
It may help to prepare your child using simple, honest and age-appropriate language. A familiar toy, blanket, book or comfort item can also help while waiting.
ON THE DAY
What happens during general anaesthesia?
Assessment
Your anaesthesiologist reviews your medical information and explains the anaesthetic plan.
Monitoring
Monitoring is applied to check your oxygen level, breathing, heart rate and blood pressure.
Going to sleep
Anaesthetic medication is given through a drip, a mask, or a combination of both.
During surgery
Your anaesthesiologist monitors you continuously and adjusts medication as needed.
Recovery
You are cared for while you wake up, with pain relief and nausea treatment if needed.
RECOVERY
After your anaesthetic
After the procedure, you will be taken to the recovery room, where trained recovery staff will care for you as you wake up. Your anaesthesiologist and recovery team will continue to manage your comfort, pain relief and any nausea if needed.
It is common to feel sleepy, cold, shivery, emotional, confused or “out of sorts” for a while after a general anaesthetic. These effects are usually temporary.
What you may notice
- Sleepiness or tiredness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sore throat
- Headache or dizziness
- Shivering or feeling cold
- Feeling emotional, confused or unsettled
- Mild aches or discomfort
MORE DETAIL
Common questions and important information
Will I remember anything?
With general anaesthesia, you are fully unconscious during the procedure and should not be aware of what is happening. Most people remember being prepared for the anaesthetic and then waking up in the recovery area, with no memory of the procedure itself.
Very rarely, a person may have some awareness during general anaesthesia. This is estimated to occur in around 1 in 20,000 cases and is more likely in certain situations, such as cardiac surgery, emergency surgery or when general anaesthesia is required during childbirth.
Will I feel pain during the procedure?
No. The anaesthetic is planned so that you do not feel the procedure while it is taking place. Pain relief is also planned for the recovery period.
Can children have general anaesthesia?
Yes. Children can safely have general anaesthesia when it is needed. The anaesthesiologist will adapt the plan according to the child’s age, procedure, health and individual circumstances.
Children may sometimes receive anaesthetic medication through a drip, by breathing anaesthetic gas through a mask or breathing tube, or as a combination of both.
Common temporary side effects
- Sleepiness or tiredness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Shivering or feeling cold
- Temporary confusion or feeling emotional
Please tell the recovery team if you feel unwell, nauseous, in pain or worried about anything.
Less common risks
- Breathing problems
- Medication reactions
- Dental injury, especially if teeth are loose or fragile
- Unexpected changes in blood pressure or heart rhythm
- Delayed recovery or prolonged drowsiness
Your anaesthesiologist monitors you carefully and is trained to recognise and manage complications if they occur.
Rare but serious complications
Serious complications from modern anaesthesia are uncommon, but no anaesthetic or medical procedure can be guaranteed to be completely risk-free.
Possible risks depend on your age, health, medical history, procedure and anaesthetic plan. Your anaesthesiologist will discuss any specific risks that apply to you or your child.
Going home after general anaesthesia
If you are going home on the same day, you will usually need a responsible adult to take you home and stay with you for the recommended period.
- Do not drive until you have been told it is safe to do so (wait at least 24 hours).
- Do not drink alcohol after anaesthesia.
- Do not operate machinery or use dangerous equipment.
- Do not sign important documents or make major decisions while still affected by the anaesthetic.
- Follow the discharge instructions provided by the hospital or procedure facility.
When should I contact the hospital or anaesthesiology practice?
Contact the hospital, surgeon or anaesthesiology practice if you or your child experiences any of the following after a general anaesthetic:
- Difficulty breathing
- Persistent vomiting
- Pain that is not controlled by the prescribed medication
- Unusual drowsiness that is not improving
- Signs of an allergic reaction, such as swelling, rash or difficulty breathing
- Fever or signs of infection
- Any symptom that concerns you after discharge
In an emergency, seek urgent medical care.
NEED HELP?
Still have questions?
Your anaesthesiologist will discuss the most appropriate anaesthetic and pain-relief options for your procedure.
