ANAESTHESIA AND SEDATION

General anaesthesia

A general anaesthetic (GA) is when you are put completely to sleep. This is performed by a specialist anaesthetist, usually in a hospital setting — the type of anaesthetic you might have if you were having your tonsils removed or your appendix taken out.

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General anaesthesia — hospital setting

Quick answer about this procedure

QUICK ANSWER

General anaesthesia (GA) is complete anaesthesia delivered by a specialist anaesthetist in a hospital setting. While you are asleep you are carefully looked after and monitored by the anaesthetist whilst the surgeon carries out the procedure.

Type
General anaesthesia
Setting
Affiliated Auckland hospital
Provider
Specialist anaesthetist
Awareness
Completely asleep
Recovery
Specialist recovery area, then discharge
Best for
Complex / long / anxious cases

IS THIS FOR YOU?

GA is usually chosen when:

  • The procedure is complex or expected to be lengthy
  • Multiple procedures are being combined in one operation
  • You are particularly anxious about being awake or aware
  • You are a young child requiring a procedure
  • Hospital admission and specialist anaesthetic monitoring are clinically appropriate
WHO PERFORMS THIS

The surgeons who perform this procedure

Both surgeons listed below perform this procedure at OMS Specialists. Each carries dual qualifications in medicine and dentistry plus Fellowship from the Royal Australasian or English College.

Mr Richard Cobb, Specialist Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon

Mr Richard Cobb

Specialist Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon

BDS · MBBS · MFDS(Eng) · MRCS(Eng) · DHMSA · FRCS(OMFS)

  • Oral Surgery
  • Jaw Surgery
  • Facial Surgery
  • Skin Surgery
View full profile
Mr Ryan Smit, Specialist Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon

Mr Ryan Smit

Specialist Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon

BDS · MBChB · MRACDS(PDS) · FRACDS(OMS)

  • Oral Surgery
  • Jaw Surgery
  • Facial Surgery
  • Skin Surgery
View full profile

RECOVERY TIMELINE

Recovery timeline

  • 1–2 hours

    On waking

    On waking you are taken to the specialist recovery area where you are again carefully monitored until you are safe to go home. Sore throat, mild grogginess and possible nausea are common short-term effects.

    Red flags · Severe pain not controlled by prescribed medication, difficulty breathing, or persistent vomiting.

  • Hours

    Same day

    Discharge home with an escort, prescribed pain medication and post-operative instructions for the underlying procedure. No driving, alcohol or important decisions for 24 hours.

  • 2+ days

    Day 2 onwards

    Most patients feel close to their normal selves by the day after the procedure. Surgical-site recovery follows the timeline of the underlying procedure.

RISKS & HONESTY

Risks we discuss before consent

  • Common short-term effects

    Sore throat, mild grogginess, nausea and occasional headache for the first day are common. These usually settle quickly with simple measures.

  • Rare serious risks

    Modern general anaesthesia is very safe when delivered by a specialist anaesthetist with full hospital monitoring. Rare serious risks are discussed individually at the pre- operative anaesthetic review.

  • Medical history and medications

    Your full medical history, current medications and any allergies are reviewed pre-operatively by the anaesthetist to plan the safest regimen.

  • Post-operative nausea and vomiting

    Some patients experience post-operative nausea and vomiting, which is treated with anti-emetic medication and usually settles within hours.

FREQUENTLY ASKED

Common questions about general anaesthesia

When is general anaesthesia used at OMS Specialists?

A General Anaesthetic (GA) is when you are put completely to sleep. This is performed by a specialist anaesthetist, usually in a hospital setting. There are a number of different reasons for having a general anaesthetic, these include the complexity or length of the surgery, the management of young patients or those who are particularly anxious or nervous about undergoing surgery.

What happens on the day?

You attend the hospital fasted as instructed. The specialist anaesthetist reviews your history and explains the anaesthetic. Medication is given to send you to sleep. While you are asleep you are carefully looked after and monitored by the anaesthetist whilst the surgeon carries out the procedure. On waking you are taken to the specialist recovery area where you are again carefully monitored until you are safe to go home.

How long do I need to fast before GA?

Typical fasting is 6 hours for solids and 2 hours for clear fluids before the procedure. Specific instructions are provided at your pre-operative appointment. Following the fasting guidance is important for your safety during anaesthesia.

Will I be able to go home the same day?

Many oral and maxillofacial procedures under GA are day-stay with same-day discharge once recovery criteria are met. More complex procedures (orthognathic surgery, MMA, large reconstructions) involve a 1 to 2 night hospital stay. This is discussed at consultation based on the specific procedure.

RELATED PROCEDURES

Other procedures patients consider

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