Please complete the the online questionnaire before your operation here.

You will be given a general anaesthetic for this procedure. This means you are given some medicine to aid becoming unconscious, along with some medicines to relieve pain and reduce the chance of feeling sick after your surgery. This is usually initially given through a drip (IV cannula) in your hand or arm. Once you are 'asleep' a breathing device/tube will be inserted to keep your breathing safe during the operation. To measure your blood pressure carefully every second of your operation and if needed take bloods during your operation, sometimes a second cannula or smaller plastic straw is inserted in your artery when you are asleep. The medications are stopped at the end of the procedure and you wake up once the procedure is over. You are transferred to the recovery ward where further pain medications are given if required.

In the first 24 hours after the operation, patients are often given a PCA (Patient Controlled Analgesia) or 'push button' so that can self determine the amount of pain relief they need. When you press the button you will receive a safe amount of intravenous opioid medication. Dr Hunt determines the controls of the pump so you will not overdose, so if you are sore, press the button. After that oral pain relief medications are given. You will also be given regular medication to prevent and treat nausea. We try out best to prevent you from feeling sick but this is not always possible given the location of your surgery. Usually patients are given regular paracetamol and anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) medications as well as a limited supply of stronger pain medications (often opioids) to go home with.

Please see risks or anaesthesia for more information here.