Discuss anaesthesia and post-op pain relief with your anaesthetist
Your anaesthetist is responsible for pre-medication before your surgery, your anaesthesia and wellbeing during surgery and your post-operative pain relief.
Ask your surgeon if you can meet with your anaesthetist before the day of your procedure. This way you won’t be hurried or stressed, and can be involved in the planning.
Types of anaesthesia
For laparoscopic (keyhole) hernia surgery, a general anaesthetic is normally used.
With a general anaesthetic, you’ll be unconscious for your procedure and a tube will be inserted into your throat to help you breathe – which may hurt your throat when you wake up. You may have some post-operative nausea and vomiting and some abdominal bloating from the carbon dioxide gas used during the laparoscopy. The operation may be combined with a local anaesthetic into your wound to provide pain relief after your surgery.
If you’re overweight or obese, there are increased risks associated with anaesthesia.
For open hernia surgery, a local anaesthetic may be used instead of a general anaesthetic. You should speak with your surgeon about this.
Pre-medication
Your anaesthetist may offer you medication before your surgery. This could be to prevent nausea, reduce stomach acid or help you relax. If you think you’ll be feeling anxious before surgery, ask if you can have something to relax you.
Pain relief after surgery
After surgery, you’ll be given pain relief prescribed by your anaesthetist. By enabling you to move and breathe without too much discomfort, good pain relief can help reduce your risk of complications.
Injections, tablets or liquids can be given at regular times, or when pain starts to bother you.
Tip: print this page to take when you meet with your surgeon and anaesthetist, so you can make sure all your questions are answered.
Important information
Information is provided by HCF in good faith for the convenience of members. It is not an endorsement or recommendation of any form of treatment nor is it a substitute for medical advice, and you should rely on the advice of your treating doctors in relation to all matters concerning your health. Every effort has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information, however HCF takes no responsibility for any injury, loss, damage or other consequences of the use of this information.