Understand anesthesia
What Anesthesia Will I Have?
Pick your operation to see the anesthetic you're most likely to have — and why. The final choice is made with your anesthesiologist on the day.
Quick answer
Each operation has a usual anesthetic: general anesthesia (fully asleep) for major abdominal or chest surgery and most children's operations; a spinal (awake, numb below the waist) for most planned cesareans and many hip and knee replacements; sedation ("twilight") for endoscopy and colonoscopy; and local anesthetic for cataract, skin and most adult dental surgery. Many operations combine techniques — for example a general plus a nerve block for pain relief. The final choice is always made with your anesthesiologist, and you can ask for a preference.
Frequently asked questions
Who decides what type of anesthesia I'll have?
Your anesthesiologist, together with you. The choice depends on the operation, your health, your preferences, and what's safest for you. For some procedures there's a clear usual option; for others (like a cesarean or a hip replacement) there's a genuine choice between, say, a spinal or a general anesthetic, which you'll discuss beforehand.
What's the difference between general, spinal, sedation and local?
General anesthesia makes you fully unconscious. A spinal or regional block numbs a region (like everything below the waist, or one limb) while you stay awake or lightly sedated. Sedation ('twilight') relaxes you and makes you drowsy without full unconsciousness. Local anesthetic numbs just a small area. Many operations combine them — for example a general plus a nerve block for pain relief.
Can I ask for a particular type of anesthetic?
Yes — tell your anesthetist your preference and concerns. They'll explain what's possible and safe for your operation and health. Sometimes your first choice isn't advisable, but often there's flexibility, especially between a regional technique and a general anesthetic.