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Anaesthesia

Anaesthesia - Symptoms

Anaesthesia - How to prevent?

Anaesthesia - Causes and Risk Factors

Anaesthesia - Diagnosis

Anaesthesia - Treatments

Anaesthesia - Post-surgery care

What can I expect after an operation involving Anaesthesia?

Post Surgery / Recovery

After surgery, you will be transferred to the Post Anaesthesia Care Unit (PACU) where your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing, temperature and pain will be monitored until you are stable enough to be discharged to the wards.

Pain

During recovery, we use the Numerical Rating Scale to score your pain (as illustrated below). Pain relief medications will be given to you to help reduce your pain.

Pain Score

Methods for Pain Relief

Oral medications e.g. paracetamol, opioids
Intravenous medications including narcotics like morphine
Epidural analgesia
Nerve blocks

Patient Controlled Analgesia

Patient Controlled Analgesia (PCA) is delivered using a computerised pump. The PCA pump is programmed by the doctor and is activated by you using a handset attached to the pump. Medication is kept in the pump and the pump is locked at all times. It is important to note that ONLY YOU are allowed to press the handset to activate the pump for the medication. This is to avoid overdosing. Some of the common side effects include nausea, vomiting and drowsiness. An intravenous access is required for the pump.

Article contributed by Anaesthesiology, Singapore General Hospital

The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

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