Anaesthesia is designed to ensure rapid return to normality and to minimise the interruption that surgery represents to you. We will tailor our technique to suit you, your operation and your surgeon may discuss a range of alternatives including General Anaesthesia, Regional Anaesthesia (such as Spinals or Epidurals) and Sedation.
Several Consultant Anaesthetists including Drs Patrick Butler, Andrew Cone, Jane Goddard, Ian Mettam, Martin Nancekievill, Geoff Watson, Dr David Sparks and Dr Owen Boswell work with the Gynaechoice group all of whom work as Anaesthetists in the NHS. We can discuss any potential Anaesthetic or Medical problems that are picked up before your operation by your Gynaecologist or by the Hospital’s pre admissions unit. We will see you prior to your operation and discuss the options for anaesthesia with you to address any concerns you may have including nausea avoidance and pain relief. We are available after your operation especially if there are any surgical complications.
Regional Anaesthesia may be used in combination with a General Anaesthetic and can provide improved post operative pain control and reduce the side effects from anaesthesia and pain relief medication. Used alone or in combination with sedation Regional Anaesthesia can be very suitable for operations such as vaginal repair, vaginal hysterectomy and anti-incontinence operations.
There are a variety of drugs available for the relief of nausea and control of post operative pain and discomfort. They are often used in combination for best effect. For major operations you may be given a Patient Controlled Analgesia device (PCA), which allows you to take control of the delivery of your own pain relief at the press of a button. These devices are very safe with pre-programmed limits to ensure that you get enough but not too much. Your nurse will be able to help you to use it initially after your operation.
There are lots of sources of information about anaesthesia available but some of the best booklets can be obtained on line from www.youranaesthetic.info which is the website for the Royal College of Anaesthetists. In particular you may like to read the booklets Anaesthetic Explained and Your Spinal Anaesthetic. These give you an idea of what to expect with modern anaesthesia and tell you about the risks of side effects and complications. Further information about your anaesthetic and about quotations for billing can be obtained in advance from the Gynaechoice office who may direct you to Southampton Anaesthetic Services on telephone 02380 251495 or The Anaesthetic Group on 02380 266570.
