Anaesthesia for Hand Surgery
Local Anaesthesia
This involves injection of local anaesthetic around the proposed site of the surgery. This may cause a stinging sensation during the injection but this will last only for a few seconds. The anesthetic is usually given by the surgeon.
Regional Anaesthesia
This involves injection of local anaesthetic around nerves that transmit sensation from the area of the operation. This is usually given by an Anaesthetist. The nerves are located using an electrical nerve stimulator or using an ultrasound machine to see the nerves. This means that you will be fully awake for your surgery.
If being awake concerns you, this can be discussed with your anaesthetist or Mr Miranda. Sedation to relax you may also be given with Regional Anaesthesia.
General Anaesthesia
This is the traditional method of using inhaled gases and drugs injected into a vein to put you to sleep during an operation. This does tend to have some temporary effect of drowsiness and you should not operate machinery or drive for 48 hours after a General Anaesthetic.