Carer, Cervix, Anaesthetics

Anaesthesia^(G) may be required for diagnostic procedures such as hysteroscopy^(G), D and C^(G), EU, and/or laparoscopy^(G) as well as definitive treatment including brachytherapy^(G) or hysterectomy^(G). In addition, some procedures such as LLETZ^(G) and laser cone biopsy^(G) are occasionally performed under a local anaesthetic^(G) with or without conscious sedation^(G).

What carers need to know about Anaesthetics.

Many people are frightened of an anaesthetic as it involves loss of control and entry into a dark and scary place (i.e. unconsciousness). During the preoperative visit the Anaesthetist will evaluate the patient for any medical conditions and how they might influence the anaesthetic.

They will also try to allay the patient's fears by explaining what is about to happen.

What is Anaesthetics?

Anaesthetics is a medical specialty concerned with the provision of anaesthesia^(G), pain relief and perioperative medicine.

The anaesthetist's function is to make you insensitive to pain during surgery, to supervise your recovery from anaesthesia, and to ensure you are comfortable afterwards. Many drugs and techniques may be used including general anaesthesia^(G), regional anaesthesia^(G) local anaesthesia^(G) and conscious sedation^(G) together with monitoring techniques appropriate to your general medical condition and the magnitude of the surgery.