Anaesthetics and sedation

Local anaesthetic

What is it used for?

A local anaesthetic works in a small area of your body. It is usually used for procedures that are small and quick. For example:

• numbing your throat before an endoscopy tube is put in
• numbing your skin before a biopsy needle is put in

How is it given?

A local anaesthetic is often an injection. Sometimes a spray is used.

What does it feel like?

If it is given as an injection, you will feel a sharp scratch as the needle goes in.

It will numb the area where it is given. You will not be able to feel any pain in that area. But you might feel a bit of tugging or pressure.

It will not make you go to sleep or feel sleepy.

You will slowly get the feeling back over a few hours.

What are the benefits of a local anaesthetic?

They are safer than a general anaesthetic.

You will be fully awake and aware of what is going on.

You do not need to do any special preparations for a local anaesthetic. For example, you can eat and drink as normal before a local anaesthetic. But check with your medical team as you may need to not eat for other reasons depending on what is being done.

You should recover quickly. A local anaesthetic should not stop you from doing your normal activities.

What are the risks of a local anaesthetic?

Local anaesthetics are very safe.

If it is an injection you will feel a short sharp scratch as the needle goes in.

Risks are a bit different for everyone. Always talk to your medical team about risks for you.

Back to top

Sedation

What is it used for?

A sedative is a medicine that will make you feel calm and sleepy. It is used for procedures that are fairly quick, but which might be uncomfortable, or distressing.

For example:

• endoscopy (a procedure where a tube is put down your throat)
• MRI scan, if being in a small space will be very distressing for you

How is it given?

This could be an injection, a medicine you swallow, or a gas that you breathe in (gas and air).

If you are having an injection, you will probably have a small plastic tube called a canula put into a vein in your hand or arm. This makes it easier for the medical team to give you the sedation and keep it at the right level.

What does it feel like?

Sedation feels a bit different to different people. You should feel calm and sleepy. You might not be able to think clearly or remember much afterwards.

What are the benefits of sedation?

• sedation can take away stress, anxiety or discomfort during a procedure
• you will still be awake and will be able to hear what the medical team are saying
• if you are asked to do something during your procedure, such as move or hold your breath, you should be able to
• it is usually safer than a general anaesthetic
• people usually recover quicker from sedation than from a general anaesthetic

What are the risks of sedation?

Sedation is generally very safe.

• You might not be able to remember things that were said to you while you were sedated
• You might feel confused during or after the procedure
• You might still feel pain
• If you are given too much sedation, it can affect your breathing

Back to top

General anaesthetic

What is it used for?

A general anaesthetic is used when you have an operation or a procedure that could be painful or that could be long or complicated.

For example:

• Surgery to remove a part of your liver (a liver resection)
• Surgery to remove your gallbladder

How is it given?

This could be an injection, or a gas that you breathe in.

If you are having an injection, you will probably have a small plastic tube called a canula put into a vein in your hand or arm. This makes it easier for the medical team to give you the anaesthetic and keep it at the right level.

What does it feel like?

You will be completely unconscious during your procedure.

You will not feel any pain or have any idea what is going on.

Afterwards you may feel sleepy.

You may feel as if no time has passed even if it has been many hours.

You will have no memory of the procedure.

What are the benefits of a general anaesthetic?

• you will be completely asleep and will not feel any pain, discomfort, or distress
• your muscles will be relaxed, this can make some operations easier
• it is better for longer or more complicated operations
• It can be topped up to allow the operation to go on for longer if something unexpected happens

What are the risks of a general anaesthetic?

Having a general anaesthetic is usually safe. But there are some risks, and these can be different for different people. It is important to talk to your medical team about what the risks are for you.

As a general guide there are risks of:

• feeling sick after your procedure
• problems with breathing
• allergic reactions
• strain on your heart and lungs
• a longer recovery time compared to local anaesthetic or sedation
• other rare but serious complications

Back to top

Other things to think about

Needing help

If you will be going home after sedation or a general anaesthetic, you will need to arrange some help.

You will need a friend or family member to:

• Drive you home or take you home in a taxi
• Stay with you overnight

The hospital might refuse to do your procedure if you do not have someone who can come with you to your appointment or pick you up afterwards.

For 24 hours after your sedation or general anaesthetic it is very important that you do not:

• drive
• ride a bike, ebike, scooter, or motorcycle
• drink alcohol
• operate any machinery or tools that could be dangerous
• sign any important documents or make any major life decisions
• go back to work or school

Where and when

Some hospitals have different lists for the same procedure. Your choice of anaesthetic or sedation might change which list you are on. This might mean you have a longer or shorter wait for your procedure.

Some hospitals have more than one site or work with other hospitals in the area. Your choice of sedation or anaesthetic might change where you can have your procedure.

Back to top

Questions to ask about anaesthetics and sedation

The procedure you are having, your condition, and your general health will all affect what is the best option for you. It is important that you understand the risks and benefits for you. So you can make an informed decision about your care.

You should be able to talk to your medical team about your options.

If you are not sure about anything, ask them questions. We have some examples below.

You can also ask for some time to think about it before making a decision. If you want to do this, find out how best to get back in touch with them.

It can be a lot to take in. It is ok to ask them to explain something again if it does not make sense.

If your case is complicated or you have a lot or worries or concerns it might help to talk to an anaesthetist. This is a doctor who specialises in anaesthetics and pain medicine.

Back to top

Special thanks

We would like to thank the patients and doctors who helped up to create this information. Including Professor Stephen Ryder, consultant hepatologist at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS trust.

Published: August 2025