Why do I get a sore throat after my anaesthetic?
As part of your anaesthetic, your anaesthetist will likely place a breathing mask or tube into your trachea (breathing pipe) to assist your breathing. These breathing devices can cause a sore throat. But this is short lived and self resolves.
Can I speak to my anaesthetist beforehand?
It is vitally important that you speak to your anaesthetist before any type of anaesthesia. Generally your anaesthetist will consult with you on the day. However, if you need to inform your anaesthetist about any specific problems, please contact us, and your anaesthetist will get in touch with you before your operation.
Can I choose my type of anaesthetic?
The type of anaesthetic will be determined by the patient and the type of surgery. Your anaesthetist will advise you of the best choice of anaesthetic appropriate for your circumstances. We encourage you to speak to your anaesthetist and be a part of this choice.
Is an anaesthetist a medical doctor?
Anaesthetists are highly trained medical specialists. Anaesthetists are all medical doctors who completed a bachelor degree in Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) or Medical Doctorate (MD). They then do further training and study in the discipline of Anaesthesia for a minimum of 5 years. This involves full time hospital based exclusive anaesthesia training, at the same time as completing two major exams, before qualifying as a Fellow of the College of Anaesthetists (FANZCA), a practising Specialist Anaesthetist.
Is my anaesthetist there during my operation?
Your anaesthetist is required to be with you for the entire duration of your time under anaesthesia.
I suffer from intractable nausea and vomiting. What can I do?
Speak to your anaesthetist. We are specialised in managing nausea and vomiting in perioperative period. There are strategies we can use preoperatively, techniques we can employ intraoperative and medication we use post operatively, to help minimise the risk of nausea and vomiting.
Can I still have an anaesthetic if I just had Covid?
Let your Anaesthetist and Surgeon know. The College of Anaesthetists recommends that for most patients, it is safe to proceed with surgery 2-3 weeks post SARS-CoV-2 infection provided no ongoing symptoms are present. ALL patient with ongoing symptoms, not fully recovered, have a history of moderate or severe infection, we recommend delay for non-urgent elective surgery for 7 weeks. For ALL urgent surgery, high risk patients, patients >75 years of age, your anaesthetist will individualise your assessment and timing of surgery. Get in touch with your Anaesthetist and Surgeon.