BOPDHB Patient Resources Fractured Neck of Femur Patient Handbook- May 2015 | Page 21

In the operating room, an anaesthetist and the anaesthetic team,
several nurses, the surgeon and their surgical teams will be
present. Once in the operating room you will receive an anaesthetic
as previously discussed with you by your anaesthetist.

In hospital

In the operating theatre

Types of Anaesthetics
General anaesthesia
Produces a state of controlled unconsciousness during which
you feel nothing. You will receive anaesthetic drugs, strong pain
relieving drugs, oxygen to breathe and sometimes a drug to relax
your muscles. You will need a breathing tube in your throat once
you are unconscious, and will be put on a breathing machine
(ventilator) during your operation. When the operation is finished
the anaesthetic is stopped and you regain consciousness.
Advantages
You will be unconscious during your operation.
Risks
Common side-effects (<1 in 100) include headache, sore throat,
feeling sick or vomiting, dizziness, bladder problems, damage to
the lips or tongue, temporary confusion or memory loss, aches and
pains and bruising/soreness.
Uncommon side-effects (<1 in 1000) include chest infection,
muscle pains, damage to teeth, becoming conscious during your
operation, slow breathing and existing medical conditions getting
worse.
Rare side effects (less than 1 in 10,000+) include damage to the
eyes, serious drug allergy, nerve damage, equipment failure, heart
attack, stroke or death.

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