General Anaesthetic

What to Expect When Receiving a General Anaesthic 

There are two ways of starting a general anaesthetic.

  1. Anaesthetic drugs may be injected into a vein through the cannula (this is generally used for adults);
  2. You can breathe anaesthetic gases and oxygen through a mask, which you may hold if you prefer.
Once you are unconscious, an anaesthetist stays with you at all times and continues to give you drugs to keep you anaesthetised.

As soon as the operation is finished, the drugs will be stopped or reversed so that you regain consciousness.


Recovery staff will be with you at all times.

When they are satisfied that you have recovered safely from your anaesthetic you will be taken back to the ward.