Frequently asked questions before spinal surgery-
Q Can I eat and drink before my spinal?
You will need to have an empty stomach before your operation and you must follow the same rules as if you were going to have a general anaesthetic. This is because it is occasionally necessary to change from a spinal anaesthetic to a general anaesthetic. The hospital should give you clear instructions about fasting.
You will need to have an empty stomach before your operation and you must follow the same rules as if you were going to have a general anaesthetic. This is because it is occasionally necessary to change from a spinal anaesthetic to a general anaesthetic. The hospital should give you clear instructions about fasting.
Q Must I stay fully conscious?
Before the operation you and your anaesthetist can decide together whether you remain fully awake during the operation or would prefer to be sedated so that you are not so aware of the whole process. The amount of sedation can be adjusted so that you are aware but not anxious. It is also possible to combine a spinal with a light general anaesthetic.
Before the operation you and your anaesthetist can decide together whether you remain fully awake during the operation or would prefer to be sedated so that you are not so aware of the whole process. The amount of sedation can be adjusted so that you are aware but not anxious. It is also possible to combine a spinal with a light general anaesthetic.
Q Will I see what is happening to me?
Sometimes you can choose. Normally a screen is placed across your upper chest so that you see nothing when surgery starts. Some operations use video cameras and telescopes for “keyhole” surgery and many patients like to see what is happening to them on the video screen. You will be aware of the “hustle and bustle” of the operating theatre when you come in. Once surgery starts noise levels drop. You will be able to relax, with your nurse and your anaesthetist looking after you. Some patients like to wear personal stereo headphones to listen to their own choice of music during the operation. The options available to you will vary, depending on a number of factors to do with your operation. You will be able to discuss all these possibilities with your anaesthetist at the preoperative visit.
Sometimes you can choose. Normally a screen is placed across your upper chest so that you see nothing when surgery starts. Some operations use video cameras and telescopes for “keyhole” surgery and many patients like to see what is happening to them on the video screen. You will be aware of the “hustle and bustle” of the operating theatre when you come in. Once surgery starts noise levels drop. You will be able to relax, with your nurse and your anaesthetist looking after you. Some patients like to wear personal stereo headphones to listen to their own choice of music during the operation. The options available to you will vary, depending on a number of factors to do with your operation. You will be able to discuss all these possibilities with your anaesthetist at the preoperative visit.
Q Do I have a choice of anaesthetic?
Yes. Your anaesthetist will assess your overall preferences and needs for the surgery and discuss them with you. If you have anxieties regarding the spinal then these should be answered during your discussions, as it is usually possible to accommodate individual patients’ wishes and still use a spinal anaesthetic.
Yes. Your anaesthetist will assess your overall preferences and needs for the surgery and discuss them with you. If you have anxieties regarding the spinal then these should be answered during your discussions, as it is usually possible to accommodate individual patients’ wishes and still use a spinal anaesthetic.
Q Can I refuse to have the spinal?
Yes. If, following discussion with your anaesthetist, you are still unhappy about having a spinal anaesthetic you can always say no. You will never be forced to have any anaesthetic procedure that you don’t want.
Yes. If, following discussion with your anaesthetist, you are still unhappy about having a spinal anaesthetic you can always say no. You will never be forced to have any anaesthetic procedure that you don’t want.
Q Will I feel anything during the operation?
Your anaesthetist will not permit surgery to begin until you are both convinced that the spinal is working properly. You will be tested several times to make sure of this. You should not feel any pain during the operation but you may well be aware of other sensations such as movement or pressure as the surgical team carry out their work.
Your anaesthetist will not permit surgery to begin until you are both convinced that the spinal is working properly. You will be tested several times to make sure of this. You should not feel any pain during the operation but you may well be aware of other sensations such as movement or pressure as the surgical team carry out their work.
Q Should I tell the anaesthetist anything during the operation?
Yes, your anaesthetist will want to know about any sensations or other feelings you experience during the operation. They will make adjustments to your care throughout the operation and be able to explain things to you.
Yes, your anaesthetist will want to know about any sensations or other feelings you experience during the operation. They will make adjustments to your care throughout the operation and be able to explain things to you.
Q Is a spinal the same as an epidural?
No, although they both involve an injection of local anaesthetic between the bones of the spine in the small of your back, the injections work in a slightly different way.
No, although they both involve an injection of local anaesthetic between the bones of the spine in the small of your back, the injections work in a slightly different way.
Q Where can I learn more about spinals?
This leaflet is designed to give you a brief overview about your spinal anaesthetic. If you would like more detailed information, speak to your anaesthetist or contact the anaesthetic department in your local hospital or the organisations listed at the bottom of this leaflet.
This leaflet is designed to give you a brief overview about your spinal anaesthetic. If you would like more detailed information, speak to your anaesthetist or contact the anaesthetic department in your local hospital or the organisations listed at the bottom of this leaflet.
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