Before coming to hospital
Consent
You will need to sign a consent form that says you agree to the operation and the collection of specimens and technical data . A full explanation of the surgery and risks should be given to you before you sign the consent form .
You will usually meet your anaesthetist on the day of surgery , prior to your surgery . They will answer any further questions you may have .
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 ( less than 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 ( less than 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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