Types of anaesthetic

Anaesthetic is a drug that’s used during surgery to stop you feeling any pain.

General anaesthetic

This will affect your whole body and will probably make you lose consciousness, or put you ‘to sleep’.

Local anaesthetic

This is applied directly to the affected area. This will mean you’ll be awake during the procedure but you won’t be able to feel anything. You can take a book or some music along to relax you if you like.

Spinal anaesthetic

This is an injection of local anaesthetic into your spine, which will numb your legs.

Your anaesthetist will discuss the best choice of anaesthetic with you before the operation. This will depend on the operation and your health, as well as other circumstances that might affect your recovery (for example if you live alone and will have to look after yourself). You should talk to the doctor if you have any worries.