PAtient Resources

Q: Will I feel any pain during surgery? 

A: No, you will not feel any pain during surgery. The primary goal of anaesthesia is to ensure your comfort and prevent pain. Dr. Griffiths will carefully administer medications to keep you in a state of unconsciousness or provide targeted pain relief through regional anaesthesia techniques.

Q: What types of anaesthesia options are available for my surgery? 

A: The specific type of anaesthesia recommended for your surgery depends on various factors, including the nature of the procedure, your medical history, and your preferences. It can range from general anaesthesia, where you will be unconscious, to regional or local anaesthesia, which target specific areas of your body, and intravenous titrated sedation.

Q: Will I be monitored during the procedure? 

A: Yes, you will be continuously monitored throughout the procedure. 

Dr. Griffiths will closely monitor your vital signs, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels, to ensure your safety and well-being during surgery. Any necessary adjustments to the anaesthesia will be made accordingly.

Q: Are there any risks or side effects associated with anaesthesia? 

A: Like any medical procedure, anaesthesia carries some risks. However, modern anaesthesia techniques and monitoring equipment have greatly minimised these risks. Dr. Griffiths will thoroughly evaluate your medical history and discuss any potential risks or side effects specific to your case prior to the procedure.

Q: How long will it take to recover from anaesthesia? 

A: The recovery time varies depending on the type of anaesthesia received and the complexity of the procedure. Generally, the effects of anaesthesia wear off within a few hours. However, it is normal to feel groggy or experience mild discomfort for a brief period after waking up, but this experience is less frequently encountered with the carefully tetrahedral intravenous anaesthetic techniques that Dr. Griffiths commonly uses

Q: Can I eat or drink before my surgery? 

A: In most cases, it is necessary to fast for a specific period before surgery. This is to prevent any complications that may arise if you have food or liquids in your stomach during anaesthesia. You  will be provided with clear instructions regarding fasting guidelines prior to your surgery, most commonly at the time of your pre-operative assessment appointment.

Q: Can I discuss any concerns or anxieties I have about the procedure with my anaesthetist? 

A: Absolutely! You will have the opportunity to speak with Dr. Griffiths at the time of his anaesthetic visit on the day of surgery. If you would prefer to have a face to face or virtual outpatient medical appointment ahead of surgery then this can be provided. Some, though sadly not all, insurance companies recognise this consultation within their listed schedules of procedures. Beverley, Dr. Griffiths private secretary, will be more than happy to discuss this with you.

Here are some  key points to understand about preoperative assessment:

1. Comprehensive evaluation: Preoperative assessment involves a thorough evaluation of a patient's medical history, current health status, and any specific risk factors. This assessment helps identify potential concerns or conditions that may impact the surgical process or outcomes from this surgery.

2. Individualised peri-operative care plan: Based on the pre-operative assessment, an individualised care plan can be developed for each patient having a surgical procedure. This plan takes into account their specific needs, medical conditions, and any necessary preoperative interventions or medicine reconciliation.

3. Risk stratification: Preoperative assessment helps determine the level of risk associated with the planned surgery. By identifying and addressing any potential risks, healthcare professionals can optimise patient safety during the surgical procedure.

4. Optimisation and preparation: Preoperative assessment may involve additional tests, investigations or interventions to optimise a patient's health status, help prepare for and minimise risk of the surgical procedure.. This may include medication adjustments, lifestyle modifications, lung function or cardiac stress testing assessment or targeted consultations with specialists to address a surgical patient’s specific patients medical need.

5. Communication and education: Preoperative assessment allows healthcare professionals to communicate important information to the patient, ensuring they have a clear understanding of the upcoming procedure, its associated risks, and any necessary preparations or precautions.

6. Patient-centered approach: Preoperative assessment takes into consideration the patient's unique circumstances, preferences, and concerns. It aims to ensure the patient feels informed, supported, and actively involved in their care decisions.

Here are some key points to understand about CPET:

1. Comprehensive assessment: CPET evaluates your body's response to exercise, measuring your aerobic capacity, lung function, and cardiovascular performance. It helps assess your overall fitness and provides a baseline for personalized exercise prescription.

2. Precise data collection: CPET measres various parameters, including oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production, heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing patterns. These measurements provide valuable information about your cardiovascular and respiratory systems' efficiency and limitations.

3. Diagnostic capabilities: CPET is used to evaluate exercise intolerance, unexplained shortness of breath, and exercise-induced symptoms. It aids in diagnosing and assessing the severity of cardiac, pulmonary, or metabolic conditions, guiding treatment planning and monitoring progress.

4. Risk assessment: CPET is used to assess the risk of complications during surgery, particularly for high-risk procedures. It provides valuable information about your body's ability to tolerate the physiological demands of surgery, aiding in preoperative planning and decision-making.

5. Exercise prescription: CPET results can inform personalised exercise prescriptions, helping healthcare professionals design targeted training programs to improve cardiovascular fitness and help patients get fitter for surgery.

6. Performance optimization: CPET is utilised in sports medicine and athletic 

training to evaluate athletes' performance capacity, monitor training adaptations, and guide performance enhancement strategiesQ: Will I feel any pain during surgery?  

Post-operative recovery is a crucial phase in your restorative journey after surgery. During this time, your body begins to heal and regain strength, setting the foundation for a successful recovery. Here are a few key points to understand about postoperative recovery:

1. Rest and follow your surgeon's instructions: Your surgeon will provide specific guidelines for your postoperative care. It is important to follow these instructions carefully, including any restrictions on physical activity, wound care, medication usage, and follow-up appointments.

2. Manage pain and discomfort: It is normal to experience some pain or discomfort after surgery. You will be prescribed tailored pain killing medications and  healthcare team will sometimes be provided with additional provide appropriate pain management strategies, such as a regional anaesthetic technique. It is really important to openly communicate with your attending nurse about your pain levels, as they can adjust the treatment plan to ensure your comfort or contact your anaesthetist or surgeon (see key facts about post-operative pain management below)

3. Monitor for signs of complications: While complications are relatively rare, it is important to be vigilant about any signs of potential issues. These may include excessive bleeding, infection, persistent fever, worsening pain, or changes in wound appearance. If you notice any concerning symptoms, promptly call your follow-up healthcare contact

4. Gradually resume activities: Depending on the nature of your surgery, your surgeon will provide guidance on when and how to gradually resume normal activities. This may include advice on when to return to work, exercise, or participate in daily routines. 

5. Seek emotional support if needed: Some types of surgery can be physically and emotionally taxing. It is normal to experience a range of emotions during the recovery period. Reach out to your family for support and don't hesitate to discuss any emotional challenges with your attending nurse

Effective pain management is a crucial aspect of postoperative care, ensuring your comfort and promoting a smooth recovery after surgery and anaesthesia. 

Here are key points to understand about pain management after surgery:

1. Tailored approach: Pain management strategies should be personalised to meet each patient's specific needs. When tailoring your post-operative pain management plan Dr. Griffiths and your surgeon will consider factors such as the type and extent of surgery, your medical history, and your pain tolerance and develop an individualised pain management plan.

2. Multimodal approach: Pain management after surgery often involves a multimodal approach, combining various techniques and medications to provide optimal relief. This may include Dr. Griffiths applying a combination of oral or intravenous medications, local anaesthetic techniques, nerve blocks, spinal or epidural anaesthesia or patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pumps.

3. Early intervention: Optimal pain management begins before the pain becomes severe. Medications will be administered before the effects of anaesthesia wear off to ensure a smooth transition and preemptively manage pain. This proactive approach help prevents the development of severe pain and improve overall post-operative experience and outcome.

4. Regular assessment and adjustments:  The recovery nurse and then the ward nurse will regularly assess your pain levels and adjust the pain management plan accordingly. Open communication about your pain levels and any concerns you may have is essential to ensure effective pain relief.

5. Minimising side effects: Pain medications can have side effects, such as drowsiness, constipation, or nausea. Again, Dr. Griffiths and your Surgical Consultant will take steps to minimise these side effects while maximising pain relief. They may adjust medication doses or combine different medications to achieve the best balance.