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Welcome to the Anaesthesia Information Page
This is a site dedicated to educating the public
about anaesthesia and anaesthetists, answering common questions and
dispelling myths. There is a complete index link in the left column and a contents link of the current page
beneath the heading. The information outlined here is based on Australian anaesthetic practice but most of it applies to any
developed nation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most people who require an anaesthetic feel reassured when they have the answers to some very important questions.
This page looks at the following: Why do I need to fast before an anaesthetic? Why is my history of
smoking so important? How does my alcohol intake or drug use affect
my anaesthetic? Why do I need a drip?
Am I going to die? Will I wake up? Why is my
anaesthetic so different this time? Will I be left with long term
effects from my anaesthetic? (Click to go here)
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A walk through having an operation
If you are having an operation, this page describes what to expect along the
way. It can tell you how you should prepare, what happens at preoperative
assessment, what to do if you are on medications or are taking alternative
therapies, what happens before, during and after surgery and when you go home.
Finally it suggests where to look for more information.
(Click to go here)
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What types of anaesthetic are there?
This page describes in broad terms the different forms
an anaesthetic can take and explains how each is performed. The
topics covered are: general anaesthesia, regional anaesthesia (with
information on epidurals) and sedation. It also covers the relative advantages
and disadvantages of each. (Click to go here)
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What are all these drips?
This page tries to make sense of drips and other
tubes. It explains why they're called drips, the different types
of drips, and what to expect from each. It covers
intravenous lines, urinary catheters, nasogastric tubes, arterial
lines and central lines. (Click to go here)
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Tell me about pain
This page explains what pain is, why we feel it, and if it is harmful. It examines how much pain you will feel after
an operation, and for how long, and describes methods of pain relief available, from tablets to injections, epidurals and
others. (Click to go here)
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Pregnancy, Childbirth and Breastfeeding
This page examines the emotional issue of pregnancy and anaesthesia.
It provides information on how anaesthesia and surgery affect
pregnancy and the unborn baby, an overview of pain during labour
and childbirth, what options are available for pain relief, how
much is necessary, and the effect of anaesthesia on
the breastfeeding mother. (Click to go here)
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What do all these names mean?
This page explains the various names used when
talking about anaesthesia and anaesthesia care givers. It provides the meaning of the word
anaesthesia, and explains what the names: anaesthetist,
anesthesiologist, consultant, specialist, registrar, fellow,
resident and intern mean. It's an attempt to explain the hierarchy
of the anaesthetic department in Australian public hospitals. (Click to go here)
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All about this site
Contains details about the creation
of this site, it's author, limitations and information copyright. (Click to go here)
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