The type of anaesthesia depends on the procedure, the area being treated, the patient's health and other individual factors. General anaesthesia produces a sleep-like state and is commonly used for major or lengthy procedures. Regional anaesthesia temporarily numbs a larger part of the body, such as with spinal or nerve-block techniques, while the patient may remain awake or receive sedation. Local anaesthesia numbs a small, specific area and is often used for minor procedures. Different techniques may sometimes be combined.

Preoperative assessment helps the anaesthesia team understand the patient's health and identify factors that could affect anaesthesia or recovery. The assessment may include medical and surgical history, current medicines and supplements, allergies, previous reactions or difficulties with anaesthesia, and conditions affecting the heart, lungs, kidneys or liver. The team may also review when the patient last ate or drank and perform or request relevant examinations and tests. This information helps determine the safest anaesthetic approach and prepare for potential risks.

Be open about all medicines, vitamins and supplements you take, as well as any allergies or previous reactions to medicines or anaesthesia. Tell your anaesthesiologist about medical conditions such as asthma, sleep apnea, heart disease, diabetes, kidney or liver problems, and any recent illness. It is also important to mention previous difficulties with anaesthesia and relevant family history. Follow instructions about fasting and medicines carefully, as eating or drinking too close to anaesthesia can increase certain risks.

The anaesthesia team continuously monitors the patient's condition throughout the procedure. Depending on the surgery and type of anaesthesia, monitoring may include blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen levels, breathing, temperature and other measures of vital function. The anaesthesiologist adjusts anaesthetic medicines, fluids and other treatments according to these readings and the patient's response. Pain management is also planned as part of perioperative care, using appropriate medicines or techniques based on the procedure and the patient's individual needs.

The choice of anaesthesia is individualized. Factors include the type, location and duration of surgery, the expected level of pain, the patient's medical conditions, medicines, allergies, previous anaesthesia experiences and overall health. The patient's preferences may also be considered where clinically appropriate. Some procedures require general anaesthesia, while others may be safely performed using regional or local anaesthesia, sometimes with sedation. The anaesthesiologist and surgical team assess these factors together to select the approach that offers the best balance of safety and comfort.

After anaesthesia, patients are monitored in a recovery area while they gradually become more alert and their vital signs stabilize. It is common to feel sleepy, groggy or mildly confused initially. Some people experience nausea, dizziness, dry mouth, shivering, a sore throat or temporary discomfort, depending on the type of anaesthesia and surgery. The team can provide medicines to manage pain or nausea when needed. Recovery time varies, and patients receive instructions about eating, activity, medicines and when they can safely return home.