What to Expect During Your Surgery Journey: Local and General Anaesthesia

Understanding Local Anaesthesia Operations

(done in the Ambulatory Care clinic or in the office)

Local anaesthesia means you will be awake during the procedure, but the area being treated will be numb. This type of anaesthesia is common for minor surgeries, such as skin cancer removal or small hand surgeries.

Before the Procedure

Before you arrive at the ambulatory care center (ACC), you will check in at the registration on the ground level, then check in at the ACC desk. Staff will confirm your details and ask about your medical history. This is important to ensure the anaesthesia and procedure are safe for you.

In the office I will be the only health care professional taking care of you.

This is your chance to speak up if you feel nervous or want more information. You will also sign a consent form to allow me to perform the surgery.

During the Procedure

I will inject the local anaesthetic to numb that part of your body. You might feel a small pinch or sting during the injection, but it will quickly go numb. Then the operative site (where on your body the surgery will take place) will be cleaned and draped.

Because you are awake, you can talk to me and the nurse if you want. The procedure usually takes less time than surgeries under general anaesthesia. You might feel some pressure or movement, but no pain.

After the Procedure

Once the surgery is done, the numbness will wear off in 6-8 hours but may last until the next day. I and/or the nurse/my receptionist will give you instructions on how to care for the area. You can usually go home the same day, but you should arrange for someone to drive you.

If you need follow-up care, my clinic will schedule it by phone. The reception at the ACC does not handle that. For example, if you had skin cancer removal, I might want to check the healing process or discuss further treatment when the pathology results are available.

Understanding General Anaesthesia Operations

General anaesthesia means you will be completely asleep during the surgery. This is used for more complex or longer procedures, such as reconstructive surgery or major hand operations.

Before the Procedure

Before your surgery, you will have a preoperative assessment. This usually happens about two weeks before your operation. The pre-assessment nurse will review your health, medications, and any allergies. You might have blood tests or other checks, and you might meet with an anaesthesiologist and a physician, depending on your health.

On the day of surgery, you will arrive at the hospital and check in at registration before you head to the Day Surgery Unit waiting room. Once you are in the Day Surgery, you will change into a hospital gown. The nurses will ask you questions to check your medication, and you will meet the anaesthesiologist. They will explain how the anaesthesia works and answer your questions. I usually see you after this, though the order in which we see you is not important.

You will be asked not to eat or drink for several hours before the surgery. This is to reduce the risk of aspiration (food entering your lungs) during anaesthesia.

You will be asked your name, date of birth, allergies, and what you are having done several times.

Arrival in the OR

When you arrive in the OR, you will move from the stretcher to the operating table. We will attach several monitors, such as a blood pressure cuff and a pulse oximeter, which measures your heart rate and how well you oxygenate your blood (how well the oxygen in the air you breathe in is dissolved in your blood, so it can be carried around your body). Again, we check who you are and what you are having done. All members of the OR team will ensure they are happy with their instruments and medication before we proceed safely.

During the Procedure

In the operating room, the anaesthesiologist will give you medications through an IV to make you fall asleep. They may also place a breathing tube if needed to help you breathe.

While you are asleep, the surgical team will perform the operation. The anaesthesiologist monitors your vital signs closely to keep you safe.

After the Procedure

When the surgery is over, the anaesthesiologist will stop the anaesthesia, and you will wake up in the recovery room. Nurses will watch you carefully as the effects wear off.

You may feel groggy, nauseous, or have a sore throat from the breathing tube. These symptoms usually improve quickly. I am hoping you won't have any pain from the surgery, as I usually put plenty of local anaesthesia in the area of surgery, and on occasion the anaesthesiologist will have performed a block on your arm, to make it numb.

Depending on the surgery, you might stay in the hospital for a few hours or overnight. The medical team will give you instructions for pain control, wound care, and activity limits.

Close-up view of hospital recovery room bed

Comparing Local and General Anaesthesia Operations

Both types of anaesthesia have their place in surgery. Here are some key differences to keep in mind. Please direct your questions about general anaesthesia to the anaesthesiologist; they are the specialists here:

• Awareness: Local anaesthesia keeps you awake; general anaesthesia puts you to sleep.

• Recovery time: Recovery is usually faster with local anaesthesia.

• Risks: General anaesthesia carries more risks, especially for people with certain health conditions.

• Procedure length: Local anaesthesia suits shorter, simpler surgeries; general anaesthesia is for longer, more complex ones.

  
  

For example, if you are having skin cancer removal, local anaesthesia in an ambulatory care center might be enough. But for complex hand surgery, general anaesthesia in a hospital setting is often necessary.

Preparing for Your Surgery

Preparing well can help your surgery go smoothly. Here are some tips:

• Follow fasting instructions carefully before general anaesthesia (if you are not adequately fasted, I will have to postpone the surgery, maybe for a couple of hours, maybe to another day)

• Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure.

• Wear comfortable clothing (make sure your sleeves will fit over a cast if you are having hand surgery) and leave valuables at home.

• Bring a list of your medications and any allergies.

• Ask questions if you are unsure about any part of the process.

  
  

What Happens After Surgery

After your operation, follow your all of care team’s advice closely. Keep the surgical area clean and dry. Take medications as prescribed. Watch for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or fever.

If you had local anaesthesia, you might return to normal activities quickly. After general anaesthesia, you may need more rest and a gradual return to activity.

Remember, healing takes time. Stay in touch with my office for follow-up visits or if you have concerns.

High angle view of hospital discharge paperwork on clipboard

Surgery can feel overwhelming, but knowing what to expect helps you feel more in control. Whether your operation uses local or general anaesthesia, the hospital team is there to support you every step of the way.

If you are considering surgery for skin cancer removal or complex hand surgery, I offer expert care tailored to your needs. You can find more information and book a consultation through the links above.

Take the next step with confidence, knowing you are in good hands.