Block and General Anaesthetics (you may wish to ask Mr Jeffers about his own experience)
For short procedures that are not know to be particularly painful post operatively our default is undertake a general anaesthetic with additional local anaesthetic placed into the operative filed by Mr Jeffers.
Information from the Royal College of Anaesthetists about general anaesthesia can be download here and information about complications downloaded here
For longer, more complex or operations that are known to generate more pain we will counsel you regarding regional 'block' anaesthetics. These are often given in combination with a light general anaesthetic.
Our expert Upper Limb Anaesthetists perform regional anaesthesia to numb your arm by injecting local anaesthetic through a needle placed along the path of nerves. This is performed using an ultrasound machine to ensure safe and accurate placement. The anaesthetist may give a small dose of a medicine to reduce anxiety or lightly sedate you during the procedure and the subsequent operation.
There are several different types of regional anaesthesia. The injection is performed close to the collarbone or neck, under the arm and in the forearm.
You arm will become completely numb and flail over a 30 to 60 minute period and only then will painless surgery commence.
Please follow this link from The Royal College of Anaesthetics video explaining regional anaesthetics and further information be downloaded here.
Why Choose a Regional Anaesthetic?
Similar to local anaesthetic wide awake hand surgery there are proven advantages including better postoperative pain relief, less need for strong painkillers such as morphine, less chance of being admitted overnight, faster recovery from anaesthetic, less nausea, and, for some surgeries, less blood loss and less risk of blood clots.
Is Placing the Block Painful?
The injection can be slightly uncomfortable or painful but is usually extremely well tolerated.
How Long Will It Last?
The regional anesthesia can provide from 1 to 24 hours of pain relief, depending on the specific medication used. The muscles controlled by the nerves that are blocked may also be weak until the block wears off. Most patients have between 6 and 12 hours of complete pain relief. If you are concerned about your block lasting a long time there is information here
Are there any Complications?
Minor risks include incomplete pain relief, soreness or bruising at the needle site, or tingling that lasts for several days.
Serious complications can occur but these are very rare: significant bleeding, infection, lung puncture or nerve injury.
Whilst general anaesthetics are safe, there are a small number of complications related to general anaesthetics discussed here
How will I know or decide whether I'm suitable for a regional anaesthetic and who do I discuss it with?
Our expert Upper Limb Anaesthetist will have discussed your case with Mr Jeffers to see if you are suitable for this type of anaesthetic - the vast majority of patients are! The Anaesthetists will discuss this further with you during your pre-op anaesthetic assessment.
What if I can't have a regional anaesthetic or it doesn't work?
There are occasions when the operation is likely to be lengthy and complex (such as wrist fracture or reconstructive surgery) requiring the patient to lie still for 2-3 hours, in this situation you will have a regional anaesthetic first and a light general anaesthetic in combination. Similarly, if you still can feel part of your hand or limb during the procedure you will be given a light general anaesthetic
For short procedures that are not know to be particularly painful post operatively our default is undertake a general anaesthetic with additional local anaesthetic placed into the operative filed by Mr Jeffers.
Information from the Royal College of Anaesthetists about general anaesthesia can be download here and information about complications downloaded here
For longer, more complex or operations that are known to generate more pain we will counsel you regarding regional 'block' anaesthetics. These are often given in combination with a light general anaesthetic.
Our expert Upper Limb Anaesthetists perform regional anaesthesia to numb your arm by injecting local anaesthetic through a needle placed along the path of nerves. This is performed using an ultrasound machine to ensure safe and accurate placement. The anaesthetist may give a small dose of a medicine to reduce anxiety or lightly sedate you during the procedure and the subsequent operation.
There are several different types of regional anaesthesia. The injection is performed close to the collarbone or neck, under the arm and in the forearm.
You arm will become completely numb and flail over a 30 to 60 minute period and only then will painless surgery commence.
Please follow this link from The Royal College of Anaesthetics video explaining regional anaesthetics and further information be downloaded here.
Why Choose a Regional Anaesthetic?
Similar to local anaesthetic wide awake hand surgery there are proven advantages including better postoperative pain relief, less need for strong painkillers such as morphine, less chance of being admitted overnight, faster recovery from anaesthetic, less nausea, and, for some surgeries, less blood loss and less risk of blood clots.
Is Placing the Block Painful?
The injection can be slightly uncomfortable or painful but is usually extremely well tolerated.
How Long Will It Last?
The regional anesthesia can provide from 1 to 24 hours of pain relief, depending on the specific medication used. The muscles controlled by the nerves that are blocked may also be weak until the block wears off. Most patients have between 6 and 12 hours of complete pain relief. If you are concerned about your block lasting a long time there is information here
Are there any Complications?
Minor risks include incomplete pain relief, soreness or bruising at the needle site, or tingling that lasts for several days.
Serious complications can occur but these are very rare: significant bleeding, infection, lung puncture or nerve injury.
Whilst general anaesthetics are safe, there are a small number of complications related to general anaesthetics discussed here
How will I know or decide whether I'm suitable for a regional anaesthetic and who do I discuss it with?
Our expert Upper Limb Anaesthetist will have discussed your case with Mr Jeffers to see if you are suitable for this type of anaesthetic - the vast majority of patients are! The Anaesthetists will discuss this further with you during your pre-op anaesthetic assessment.
What if I can't have a regional anaesthetic or it doesn't work?
There are occasions when the operation is likely to be lengthy and complex (such as wrist fracture or reconstructive surgery) requiring the patient to lie still for 2-3 hours, in this situation you will have a regional anaesthetic first and a light general anaesthetic in combination. Similarly, if you still can feel part of your hand or limb during the procedure you will be given a light general anaesthetic
