Will I see an anaesthetist before my operation?
No, not normally. If you are low risk and the operation is low risk.
But if this is not the case, and you’re about to have an operation, you will normally need to see one – ideally the one who will do the operation. This is especially important if you are older or frail. This assessment should be automatic, but sometimes it is missed, and you will need to ask for it.
Anaesthetists are the doctors who put you to sleep (with a general anaesthetic). It’s important that they can assess whether you are fit enough (and, if not, there may be other options like spinal or local anaesthetics).
Having a good anaesthetist is just as important as a good surgeon!
