What is Anaesthesia?

Anaesthesia is derived from the Greek meaning “without sensation”. It results in the absence of pain to all or parts of your body.

General anaesthesia

You are put into a state of controlled unconsciousness for the duration of the operation. While you remain unaware of what is happening around you the anaesthetist monitors your condition closely and constantly adjusts the level of anaesthesia to ensure it is a reversible state of unconsciousness.  

Sedation

Drugs are administered to make you feel relaxed and drowsy. You may be aware of your surroundings.  

Regional anaesthesia

Local anaesthesia is used to block nerves that supply the part of the body where the surgeon will operate – this part of the body is numb. An example is an “eye block” for cataract surgery or an epidural for labour pain. ​

Local anaesthesia

Local anaesthetic is injected into the skin at the site of surgery to cause numbness in a small area.