ANAESTHESIA FOR SURGERY
Understanding your options and what to expect on the day of your procedure
Anaesthesia is an important part of your hip or knee surgery, ensuring you are comfortable and pain-free during the procedure. Dr Darren Paterson works closely with a specialist anaesthetist who will select the most appropriate type of anaesthesia for you, based on your medical history, the planned surgery, and your personal needs.
This page explains the different types of anaesthesia, how you will be prepared, and what to expect before, during, and after your operation.
Your anaesthetic assessment
Before your surgery, you will have a telephone consultation with your anaesthetist. This is an important step in your preparation, allowing them to gather essential information about your health and plan the safest and most effective anaesthetic for your procedure.
During this call, your anaesthetist will:
- Review your medical history, current medications, and any previous experiences with anaesthesia
- Assess your overall health and identify any potential risk factors
- Explain the anaesthetic options most suitable for your surgery
- Discuss strategies for pain management after your operation
- Answer any questions or address any concerns you may have
If you have conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma, or sleep apnoea, please inform your anaesthetist during the call so they can plan your care accordingly.
Types of anaesthesia used in orthopaedic surgery
The type of anaesthesia will be chosen to ensure safety, comfort, and optimal recovery. Common options include:
General anaesthesia
- You are fully asleep for the duration of the procedure
- Delivered via a combination of intravenous medication and inhaled gases
- A breathing tube or airway device is used during surgery
- You will be monitored closely throughout and woken after the operation is complete
Spinal anaesthesia
- Numbing medication is injected into the fluid surrounding the spinal cord in your lower back
- Blocks sensation from the waist down, allowing you to remain awake or lightly sedated
- Often used for joint replacement surgery, sometimes combined with sedation
- May allow for a smoother recovery and less nausea after surgery compared to general anaesthesia in some patients
Sedation (“twilight anaesthesia”)
- Used for less invasive procedures or in combination with local anaesthesia
- You are relaxed and may be drowsy but not fully unconscious
- Often paired with spinal or nerve blocks to control pain during and after surgery
Nerve blocks for pain control
In some cases, your anaesthetist may use a nerve block to reduce pain after surgery. This involves injecting numbing medication around specific nerves to block pain signals from the surgical area. Potential benefits include:
- Reduced need for strong opioid pain medication
- Less nausea and grogginess after surgery
- Improved comfort during the first hours or days of recovery
Anaesthesia on the day of surgery
When you arrive at the hospital, the nursing team will admit you and help you prepare for your procedure.
Even though your detailed anaesthetic assessment will already have been completed over the phone, your anaesthetist will still meet you in person before surgery to:
- Confirm your medical details and the agreed anaesthetic plan
- Answer any last-minute questions you may have
- Perform any final checks before you are taken into theatre
Your surgical site will then be marked, and standard pre-operative safety procedures will be carried out before your operation begins.
After your anaesthetic
When your surgery is complete, you will be transferred to the recovery room where the nursing team will:
- Monitor your vital signs as you wake up
- Manage any pain or nausea
- Ensure you are comfortable before you are moved to the ward
Any temporary numbness, weakness, or drowsiness from the anaesthetic will gradually wear off. Your anaesthetist and nurses will check on you regularly to ensure a smooth recovery.
Safety and risks
Anaesthesia is generally very safe, especially when delivered by an experienced anaesthetist. As with all medical procedures however, there are potential risks which may include:
- Temporary side effects such as nausea, sore throat, headache, or drowsiness
- Rare complications such as allergic reactions, breathing difficulties, or heart issues
- Specific risks related to spinal anaesthesia or nerve blocks, which will be explained before the procedure
Your anaesthetist will discuss the risks and benefits with you and take steps to minimise any potential complications.
Fees and billing
Anaesthetists bill separately from your surgeon and the hospital. Their fee will be sent directly to you by your anaesthetist or their billing office. If you have private health insurance, part or all of the anaesthetic fee may be covered by your fund.
- No-gap or known-gap arrangements may be available, depending on your health fund and level of cover.
- In some cases, there may be an out-of-pocket cost. Your anaesthetist will discuss this with you during your pre-surgery call or provide a written estimate before your procedure.
If you have questions about the anaesthetic fee, Heather can provide further details and explain how it relates to your insurance cover.
Questions and further information
If you have concerns about anaesthesia, you can raise them with your anaesthetist before surgery or speak to Dr Paterson’s team when booking your procedure. Having a clear understanding of your anaesthetic plan can help you feel more confident and prepared for surgery.