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If you are having an anaesthetic for an operation or a procedure, it will be one (or a combination of more than one) of the following types: general, regional or local anaesthesia.
Deciding which sort of anaesthetic is best will be done by the anaesthetist after consultation with yourself, taking into account the nature of the operation and any medical problems you have. The aim is to choose the safest option with the quickest and smoothest recovery.
We aim to see all patients before their operation in order to discuss the anaesthetic and answer any questions which you may have. Most of the time this will happen on the day of surgery, but we may need to see you beforehand if there are tests or complex issues to talk about. Nurses from the pre-operative clinic will go through a screening questionnaire with you some days before your operation is scheduled in order to work out whether you need to see an anaesthetist in advance.
Your surgery may be suitable for an 'enhanced recovery' pathway; to find out more, please visit:
For general information about anaesthetics (and complications or risks of anaesthetics):
For information about anaesthesia for specific procedures or groups of patients:
0300 304 7777
John Radcliffe Hospital Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre Churchill Hospital Horton General Hospital