Anaesthetic Unit

Anaesthetics, also called anaesthesia, is an area of medicine dedicated to the removal of pain and sensation during surgical procedures.

Anaesthetics is a medical specialty where consultant anaesthetists help our consultant surgeons carry out procedures with minimum discomfort for patients.

Our consultant anaesthetists have a vast pool of experience with a wide variety of specialist interests and skills.

Depending on your procedure, the type of anaesthetic you have will be chosen by you, in consultation with your anaesthetist and surgeon. This area of medicine is considered to be one of the safest in healthcare, but it's vital to have a thorough assessment beforehand.

The treatment induces controlled unconsciousness (like sleep), so you shouldn't feel any pain. Local or regional anaesthetics are usually given for more minor procedures. They involve injecting anaesthetic to numb the area of the body being operated on.

You shouldn't feel pain, but you may feel pressure and movement. Full sensation should return when the medicine has worn off a few hours later.

Most of our consultant anaesthetists are established consultants at the Royal United Hospital, Bath and others work as consultants in other NHS Trusts within the region.

Each consultant is highly experienced with specific areas of anaesthetic expertise from orthopaedic to gynaecology and urology to general surgery.

The aims of anaesthesia are to ensure your safety and comfort and to get you ready for your recovery. Decisions about your anaesthetic are tailored to your personal needs by our expert anaesthetists. For example, the vast majority of patients who have a joint replacement have spinal anaesthesia together with local anaesthetic. In our experience, this is the best way to feel as good as you can be as soon as possible after the operation.

Regional anaesthesia

Spinal Anaesthetic: This is where local anaesthetic is injected near the nerves in your back. You feel numb from the waist downwards and feel no pain.
Sedation: You may be able to have sedation during your surgery. This will be with drugs which make you feel sleepy and relaxed. Your anaesthetist will be able to discuss this with you.
Nerve Block: This is an injection of anaesthetic near the nerves which go to your leg. Part of your leg should be numb and pain-free for some hours afterwards. You may not be able to move it properly during this time. If you are having a general anaesthetic, this injection may be done either before the anaesthetic starts or when you are unconscious.
General Anaesthesia: Sometimes it is not possible for patients to have a spinal anaesthetic. In this situation, we may offer you a general anaesthetic.

Management of pain

Pain following an operation is inevitable, and everyone experiences pain differently. Pain control is an essential part of your care and recovery and should enable you to get up and about and start your physiotherapy.

How can we reduce your pain?

Mobilising: The key to pain control is to get up and about as soon as possible after the operation. Moving and putting weight through your new hip is much more important than the pain killing tablets. All of the pain relief techniques listed below are aimed at facilitating this.

Regional and local anaesthetics as described above. They will be carried out at the time of your operation and will give you a numbing sensation for 2 to 24 hours, depending on which block is used. The Anaesthetist will discuss this with you.

Tablets: When you are able to drink and eat you will take your painkillers as a tablet. Most patients will continue to take painkilling tablets after surgery to manage their pain and discomfort. The pain killers will include paracetamol, anti inflammatories (like ibuprofen) if you are able to take them, and moderate strength and strong opiate medicines. We may also give you laxatives and anti-sickness tablets to help with the side effects.

Ice An ice pack can be applied to the hip to help with pain relief. This can be kept on the hip for 20 minutes and can be reapplied regularly during the day to help reduce discomfort in the hip. Ensure you place a cloth or towel between the pack and the skin to avoid the risk of burning the skin. Regular movement and exercise will also help to prevent stiffness and reduce pain.

Further information about different kinds of anaesthesia and pain relief, and the risks involved, can be found on the Royal College of Anaesthetists website.

Our Specialists

Your anaesthetic care is provided by a Consultant Anaesthetist who you will meet before your surgery. This is the best opportunity to ask any questions.