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A general anaesthetic is used for many different types of operation (surgery) or procedure.
It's done so that during the procedure:
A general anaesthetic is used if other types of anaesthetic are not suitable. These include a local anaesthetic or regional anaesthetic (where you're awake but the part of your body being treated is numbed) or sedation (where you're relaxed but not unconscious).
If you're going to have a general anaesthetic, you'll be given advice about things you can do to prepare.
If your procedure is planned in advance, you can help your recovery and help make your treatment more successful by:
You'll usually be asked to go to an appointment a few weeks before your procedure (a pre-operative assessment). This is to make sure you're well enough to have the procedure and the general anaesthetic.
It might involve having tests such as blood tests, an X-ray, an electrocardiogram (ECG) to check your heart and a fitness test.
You might also meet the specialist doctor (anaesthetist) who will give you the general anaesthetic when you have your operation or procedure.
Tell the doctor or nurse if:
You'll be given advice about what to do in the few days before your general anaesthetic. It's important to follow instructions you're given about:
A general anaesthetic is given in hospital. The anaesthetic team, led by a specialist doctor (consultant anaesthetist), will monitor you and adjust the anaesthetic when they need to.
You may be given other medicines before the general anaesthetic. This may include medicines to help you relax, reduce stomach acid, stop you feeling sick or help with pain.
The type of general anaesthetic that's used depends on the procedure you're having and what's best for you. It can be given as:
The general anaesthetic starts to work quickly. You'll fall asleep (become unconscious) within about a minute and will not be aware of anything until you wake up after the procedure.
During the procedure an anaesthetist will stay with you all the time. They will:
How long you're asleep (unconscious) depends on the type of procedure you're having. It can be from a few minutes to several hours.
You'll wake up either in the operating theatre after the procedure is over, or in the recovery room.
After a general anaesthetic you'll start to wake up soon after the medicine is stopped at the end of the procedure.
You'll feel drowsy at first. You may have an oxygen mask to help you breathe. This will be removed when you're fully awake. Staff will look after you and give you medicines for any pain or sickness (nausea).
You can usually start eating and drinking again when you feel ready.
The effects of a general anaesthetic can last around 24 hours. How long it takes to fully recover depends on the type of procedure you had.
You may be able to go home within a few hours. Someone will need to collect you from the hospital and take you home by car or taxi.
You'll be given advice about what to do and things to avoid for at least 24 hours after having a general anaesthetic.
have someone stay with you
eat and drink as usual, unless your hospital team gives you different advice
move around and keep active if you can – follow advice you're given about when to go back to your usual activities
contact the hospital if you have any concerns after you go home
be careful about things like posting on social media, as you may not be thinking clearly
do not drive or ride a bike
do not cook or use equipment or machinery
do not look after children or other people you care for on your own
do not smoke
do not drink any alcohol
do not make any important decisions, as your judgement may be affected
A general anaesthetic can cause side effects, including:
Side effects will usually get better within a few minutes or hours. You may need medicines to help with side effects, such as pain or sickness.
You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.
Complications can happen during or after a general anaesthetic, but these are rare. Your doctor will explain the risks to you before the procedure.
Possible complications can include:
Your care team at the hospital will check for any complications and give you treatment if you need it.
It's very rare to become accidentally aware or conscious during the procedure. The anaesthetist will monitor you carefully to make sure you have the right amount of anaesthetic to keep you asleep.
