Either Dr Andrew Morley or Dr Morton Lim will be your anaesthetist. Both hold Consultant Anaesthetist posts at The London Clinic and St Thomas’ Hospital, London.

Your Anaesthetic - Before the anaesthetic

You will have been asked not to eat or drink for six hours prior to your surgery. It is very important for your safety during the anaesthetic that you follow this advice. If you are taking regular medication you should take it as normal with a small sip of water. Do not take any anti-biotics on the day of your surgery.

The anaesthetist will see you after you have been fully admitted for surgery. He will ensure that you are fit for anaesthetic and will ask you to sign a consent form. At this point you will be able to ask any questions or voice any concerns that you may have.

When the surgeon and the anaesthetist are ready for you to go to the Operating Department they will call the ward and a Nurse will take you to the anaesthetic room that is linked to the operating theatre.

The Anaesthetic

The anaesthetic nurse will check you in and the anaesthetist will be present. He will normally administer the anaesthetic via a small injection into your hand. Within a few seconds you will feel drowsy and then become unconscious. Most people consider this to be a warm and pleasant feeling.

The anaesthetist will be with you at all times during the surgery. He will use sophisticated equipment to monitor your breathing, heart and circulation throughout the operation. Modern anaesthetics are complex and will be administered constantly, so you don’t need to worry about waking up whilst the surgery is taking place. When the operation is over you will wake up in the recovery room. Here specialist nurses will care for you until you are ready to return to the ward.