About anaesthesia
Many of today’s operations, especially for the very young, very old or very ill would not be feasible without modern anaesthesia.
Each year, more than four million Australians and New Zealanders will have an anaesthetic. In fact, most people will need the care of an anaesthetist at some stage in their lives – for pain relief during the birth of a baby, for a routine day-stay procedure or for a major operation requiring complex, split-second decisions that keep patients alive. But it's one of those things we don't really think about until we need it. We've created this information to help you feel more relaxed about having surgery under anaesthesia.
Preparing for your operation
Having surgery under anaesthesia can be a bit daunting. Especially if it’s your first time. But there are a few simple things you can do to get yourself better prepared for your surgery.
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Anaesthesia and children
Children of all ages, including newborn babies, may require anaesthesia. Your child’s age; illness or developmental concerns; and the nature of the procedure all make a difference to what skills and experience are required by medical staff and the type of hospital needed to ensure your child will...
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Anaesthesia and cosmetic surgery
This information has been developed by accredited specialist anaesthetists to help anyone who is considering cosmetic surgery in Australia or New Zealand. It will help you to understand the risks associated with anaesthesia, and the key questions you should ask before having a cosmetic procedure.
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