Anaesthesia for your surgery

Anaesthetics are medicines that can numb a part of your body so you do not feel pain. They can also make you 'go to sleep' and be unaware of your surgery or procedure. The choice of anaesthetic depends on the type of surgery and your overall health.

Bariatric (weight loss) surgery

Weight loss surgery (bariatric surgery) can be used if you are very overweight and have not been able to control your weight any other way.

Blood vessel surgeries

There is a range of surgical procedures used to treat blood vessel problems. These are done by a vascular surgeon who specialises in blood vessels.

Breast duct excision

A duct excision is an operation to remove a diseased breast duct.

Breast reconstruction surgery

Breast reconstruction is an operation that restores shape to your breast after a mastectomy (breast removal).

Breast reduction surgery

Breast reduction surgery is an operation to reduce the size of very large breasts. It may be an option if your breasts are creating physical or emotional issues for you.

Cone biopsy

A cone biopsy is small operation remove abnormal cells that could grow into cancer. Sometimes, very early cancers of the cervix are also treated with a cone biopsy. The tissue that is removed (biopsy) is sent to the lab to be tested.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)

ERCP is a procedure that provides a view of your pancreatic and bile ducts. ERCP can also be used to remove gallstones, look for blockages and take samples of tissue (biopsies) for diagnosis.

Fibroid embolisation

Fibroid embolisation is a procedure used to shrink fibroids — non-cancerous growths in the womb (uterus).

General surgical risks

Your risk of complications after surgery depends on the type of procedure you are having and your general physical health. Before your surgery, your surgeon will talk through possible risks, answer your questions and get your consent to have surgery.

Haematology treatment

What happens before, during and after your treatment, and information about potential side effects and the people you may meet.

Hernia repair surgery

An abdominal hernia is a lump that happens when an organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot in the wall of your tummy (abdomen). Some hernias may need hernia repair surgery to fix them.

Hip and knee replacement

A hip or knee replacement can significantly reduce pain and improve mobility for people who have severe osteoarthritis. It may be an option if non-surgical treatments and lifestyle changes have not helped.

Hysterectomy

A hysterectomy is an operation to remove your uterus. There are different types of surgery used for hysterectomies.

Laparoscopic hysterectomy

A laparoscopic hysterectomy is 'keyhole' surgery to remove all or part of your uterus. Find out about preparing for and recovering from this surgery.

Laparoscopy

A laparoscopy is an operation done under general anaesthetic (you are put to sleep). This lets the gynaecologist look at your pelvic organs and diagnose and treat various conditions.

LLETZ

LLETZ is a method of treating the cervix quickly and comfortably. They are recommended when pre-cancer changes are found in the cells of your cervix. LLETZ removes the abnormal area with an electrical wire loop (a diathermy loop). The removed tissue is then sent to the laboratory to be examined.

Lymph node dissection

A lymph node dissection is a surgical procedure to remove lymph nodes. It is usually done to check if cancer has spread, guide treatment decisions or remove cancerous nodes.

Organ donation

Organ transplants and donation includes kidney or liver tissue from living or deceased donors. There are health requirements that you may need to meet to be eligible to give or receive an organ.

Prolapse procedures

Prolapse happens when the muscles and tissues that support the vagina become weak. This allows the pelvic organs (such as the bladder, uterus, or rectum) to press against the vaginal wall, creating a bulge. Your healthcare provider may recommend a surgical or non-surgical treatment.

Prominent ear correction (otoplasty)

Prominent ear correction, also called otoplasty, is a cosmetic operation to correct ears that stick out.

Prostate surgery (TURP)

Transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) is an operation to remove part of your prostate gland. It is commonly used to treat urinary problems caused by an enlarged prostate.

Skin grafts

A skin graft is an area of skin taken from one part of your body to cover an injury on another part of your body.

Urodynamics bladder test

A urodynamic bladder test is used to find out how your bladder is working. It can identify the cause of bladder problems like incontinence, infections and difficulty weeing. It is also known as a pressure test. The results will help your healthcare provider decide on the best treatment for you.

Vulval surgery

Vulval surgery is carried when you have cancer of the vulva (the area surrounding the opening of your vagina) or pre-cancerous lesions. It is a major operation and you will need to take 6 weeks off work to recover.

Tubal ligation

You can choose to be sterilised if you no longer want to be able to have children. In women, this is done through a procedure called a tubal ligation.

Refractive eye surgery (to improve your vision)

Surgery that aims to remove or reduce your need for glasses or contact lenses is called refractive surgery.