When is general anaesthetic used?
General anaesthetic is essential for some surgical procedures where it may be safer or more comfortable for you to be unconscious. It is usually used for long operations, or those which could be very painful. For example: • transplant operations – where a diseased organ is removed and replaced with a healthy one from a donor, such as a heart transplant or a lung transplant • liposuction – an operation to remove excess body fat • a hysterectomy – an operation to remove your womb (uterus) If you need to have a general anaesthetic, it will be discussed with you before you have the surgery. You will meet your anaesthetist and plan your anaesthetic together. Your anaesthetist will ask you about your general health and lifestyle including: • whether you have any allergies • whether you smoke or drink alcohol • whether you are taking any other medication They will also be able to answer any questions that you have. You should be given clear instructions to follow before the operation, includi
