Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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Why do I need an anaesthetic?
You will soon be visiting our hospital for a cardiac procedure, which will be carried out under general anaesthetic. This leaflet explains what will happen.
The anaesthetist (who is also a doctor) will give you drugs to make you unconscious for the short time it takes to do the procedure.
Anaesthesia differs from normal sleep in that you no longer have your protective reflexes. During sleep, if something were to happen that could harm you, you would wake up and deal with it. Under anaesthetic, you lose this ability to protect yourself from harm, and your "airway" (the air passage from your mouth to your lungs) can close. The anaesthetist must look after these functions for you and protect you from the side effects of any drugs used.
Risks of anaesthetics
Anaesthesia carries a slight risk although modern drugs and techniques make the risks very low. Having an anaesthetic is safer than driving a car. However, you must be in the best possible condition before your anaesthetic.
Before your procedure we will need to do some blood tests and an ECG. The tests are designed to screen out any abnormalities that could interfere with the anaesthetic or procedure. If anything abnormal is found, the procedure may have to be delayed while this is corrected.
Fasting
If you are sick during the anaesthetic this could be dangerous, so we must ensure that your stomach has emptied before the procedure. Patients can eat solid food for up to 6 hours prior to surgery. Patients can have tea/ coffee with a small amount of milk up to 2 hours prior to surgery. Patients can drink clear fluids until the time of admission.
What are clear fluids?
Water, dilute squash (no carbonated/ fizzy drinks), black tea/coffee.
We will advise you on your medication at the pre-assessment appointment.
The anaesthetist will see you just before the procedure. They will check your blood tests and will ask you about your medical history, previous anaesthetic drugs, and allergies. They may examine your heart and lungs. They will look at your neck and teeth because these form part of the airway.
You will have a small intravenous needle placed in your arm or the back of your hand. Before you go to sleep, the anaesthetist will ask you to breathe in some oxygen from a mask. They will then start to give the anaesthetic into your arm. You will be asleep for a few minutes and will wake up in a recovery area or on your way there. At this stage, you will have an oxygen mask on.
After the procedure
Most patients will be able to go home after a few hours. When you go home you should be accompanied.
For the next 48 hours, do not
- Drink alcohol
- Drive
- Operate machinery
- Sign any legal documents
- Be responsible for anyone else
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Cardiology service.
About this information
Service:
Cardiology
Reference:
C/025
Approval date:
7 August 2025
Review date:
1 August 2028
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.