Anaesthesia: How to prepare yourself properly as a patient

What happens during an anaesthesia?

During an anaesthesia, individual parts of the body or the entire body are put into a numb and partially sleep-like state. The sensation of pain and, depending on the procedure, the patient's consciousness are switched off in a controlled manner over a certain period of time and the muscles are relaxed. Anaesthesia ensures that the anaesthetised person does not move or feel any pain during the procedure. This creates the best possible conditions for a successful surgical procedure for both the doctor and the patient. Ensuring the safety and well-being of the patient is always at the centre of attention.

General anaesthesia and spinal anaesthesia

For major operations, for example in the orthopaedic field, you will usually receive either a general anaesthetic or a spinal anaesthetic.

With a general anaesthetic, the patient is put into a sleep-like state in which he or she is unconscious and unable to feel pain.

With a spinal anaesthetic, the sensation of pain in a certain region of the body is anaesthetised for a few hours, but you yourself are awake and can follow the operation on the monitor, depending on the procedure. The anaesthetist will decide on the most suitable anaesthetic method for you based on the planned operation and the pre-operative consultation.

Serious incidents due to anaesthesia are extremely rare nowadays. The number of serious complications is estimated at one per 100,000 patients. Thanks to a detailed anaesthetic consultation, risks can be reduced to a minimum.

After anaesthesia, healthy patients generally experience only minor side effects. Nausea and vomiting may occur after waking up or in the following hours, but in most cases it is possible to prevent these symptoms by administering medication. Acupuncture patches have also proven effective in calming the vomiting centre, which is irritated by anaesthetics and painkillers.

Ask your questions during the anaesthesia consultation

Information is the key: since the 1990s, several studies have confirmed that well-informed patients are less anxious and feel better prepared for a procedure. As these patients require less pain medication, they also feel more comfortable after the procedure. This in turn has a positive effect on the entire healing process.

Before the operation, you will usually be invited to an anaesthetic consultation. During this consultation, you and the anaesthetist will select the most suitable anaesthetic procedure for you. "A good anaesthetist will take time for you and your uncertainties," says Dr Othmar Werner, anaesthetist at Narcotop. "The aim is to answer your specific questions and reduce the feeling of being at the mercy of the anaesthetist. Be informed about everything that will reassure you. The only stupid questions are the ones you don't ask out of false shame." If, for example, a person is known to get sick easily, you can take prophylactic measures, such as suitable medication and an acupuncture patch, as already mentioned. Talk openly with your doctor.

How to prepare yourself

You must be sober on the day of your operation. This means that you are not allowed to eat any solid food 6 hours before admission to hospital. Clear liquids (tea and water) are permitted up to a maximum of 2 hours before admission. Avoid smoking and chewing gum on the day of the operation. All these measures will ensure a safe anaesthetic. The anaesthetist will inform you of any individual advice or specific things you need to bear in mind - for example when taking medication - during the preliminary consultation.

How quickly you recover after an operation depends on various factors. After most surgical procedures, it is generally important to get moving again as soon as possible. Early mobilisation has a positive effect on recovery and reduces risks such as thrombosis or pneumonia.

Ready for the next phase of your life

Operations are often associated with something negative. Try to actively work on this attitude: The operation is supposed to help you. So see it as something good and the start of a new chapter in your life. Also remember: you will not be left alone. The specialists at the Swiss Medical Network will do their utmost every day to ensure that you feel better very quickly. We are here for you.