Vascular surgery involves a diverse range of procedures and different anaesthesia accordingly.
Angiography and endovascular procedures are conducted more frequently with excellent outcomes. Normally you will be seen on the day of the procedure, except in particular situations. Often these operations are done with local anaesthesia to the site of access (often the arteries in the upper aspect of the leg) as well as some light sedation. We need the cooperation of the patient to manage this. Often these are day procedures or overnight admissions.
For major vascular procedures, a general anaesthetic is utilised. Unless this is an emergency operation, you will need to be seen prior to the operation to assess suitability for anaesthesia, to confirm techniques required as well as to gain an understanding of risks of involved. With these procedures, often arterial lines are utilised along with larger intravenous cannula to give medications. For procedures on the aorta, a central venous lines and spinal/epidural anaesthesia maybe also be utilised.
For carotid surgery (for prevention of strokes) we may use local anaesthesia to numb the relevant parts. This is to ensure that we can monitor closely for stroke type symptoms and manage them accordingly. Again we will make sure you are safe and comfortable.
After major vascular surgery, you will go to the intensive care unit for close monitoring before transfer to the ward.
Peripheral arterial and varicose vein surgery
Varicose vein surgery is normally done under general anaesthesia. Simple pain relief is utilised afterwards. Anaesthesia for peripheral arterial surgery depends on the exact type of surgery as well as surgical requirements. The anaesthetic technique will be discussed with you prior to surgery.