On The Day

The commonest technique; consciousness is lost in a controlled way for the duration of the operation, by the use of a variety of medications at various times. This is usually achieved by injecting drugs through a cannula placed in a vein, and maintained with intravenous drugs or a mixture of gases which you will breathe. It is possible to go to sleep first by breathing on the mask – especially with children.

You remain unaware of what is happening around you, the anaesthetist monitors your condition closely and constantly adjusts the level of anaesthesia. You will usually be asked to breathe oxygen through a mask just before your anaesthesia.

Also called twilight sleep. Less medication is used to speed recovery and minimise nausea. Partial dream-like memories may occur, especially of sounds. Often used for endoscopy and colonoscopy and some skin and eye operations.

It can be used with or without general anaesthesia or sedation for the operation for pain relief after the procedure. Often used for joint replacement and cesarean section.

For arm or leg operations, for example. It can be used with or without general anaesthesia or sedation for pain relief after the procedure.

For fingers and skin procedures, for example. It can be used with or without general anaesthesia or sedation for pain relief after the procedure.