Surgery under local anaesthetic in the Minor Ops Unit at North Bristol NHS Trust

What is surgery with local anaesthetic?

Surgery with local anaesthetic is a small operation. It helps fix a part of your body. Doctors use special medicine so you don't feel pain.

What to know:

• Only a small part of your body is made numb.
• You stay awake during the surgery.
• The doctor might give you a needle to make it numb.
• It is usually quick, and you can go home the same day.

Helpful tools: You can use picture books or videos to learn more about this. Ask someone like a family member or a carer to explain if you have questions.

What kind of medical procedures can North Bristol NHS Trust do with local anaesthetic?

Local anaesthetic is medicine that makes a small part of your body numb. It means you won't feel pain in that area.

Here are some things they might use local anaesthetic for:

• Small skin surgeries. This could be removing a mole.
• Fixing small cuts or wounds with stitches.
• Treating small areas in the mouth, like fixing a bad tooth.

If you want help, you can:

• Ask your doctor or nurse to explain slowly and clearly.
• Bring a friend or family member with you to help understand.
• Take notes or draw pictures to remember better.

Is it safe to have an operation while awake?

Doctors sometimes do operations while you are awake. This is called local anaesthetic. They use medicine to make sure you don’t feel pain.

Supportive tools: You can ask your doctor to explain the steps. You can also take a friend or family member with you to make you feel safe and help you understand.

How long will it take?

This means: How much time will it need? Here is what you can do to understand better:

• Ask the doctor or nurse: "How many minutes or hours will it take?"
• Use a timer or clock to help keep track of time.

Will it hurt during the procedure?

No, it should not hurt. You will get medicine to make you numb so you do not feel anything.

If you feel scared or worried, it can help to talk to the doctor or a nurse. They can explain what will happen and answer your questions.

A friend or family member can come with you to make you feel better.

What clothes should I wear when I go for my surgery?

Here are some easy tips to help you:

• Wear comfy clothes, like a t-shirt and loose pants.
• Choose clothes that are easy to take off and put on.
• Use slip-on shoes so they are easy to wear.
• Leave jewelry and makeup at home.

Tools to help you:

• Ask a friend or family member for help picking clothes.
• Use a picture checklist to remember what to wear.

Should I bring a friend with me?

It's a good idea to bring someone with you. They can help you feel better.

Think about bringing a family member or a friend to support you.

Can I eat or drink before my surgery?

No, you should not eat or drink before your surgery. It is important for your safety.

Ask your doctor or nurse if you have questions. They can help you understand what to do.

Using pictures or simple checklists can help you remember what to do.

What do I do after the treatment?

Here is what you can do after your treatment:

• Rest at home.
• Drink plenty of water.
• If it hurts, tell an adult.
• Ask a grown-up if you need medicine.
• Use a calendar or a phone to remind you of any next steps.

You can ask someone for help if you feel unsure.

Do I need to come back to the doctor?

How long will it take to get better?

It may take time to feel better. Everyone is different. Some people get better quickly, while others may take longer. Try to be patient with yourself.

If you have questions, you can ask a doctor or nurse. They can help you understand.

Using a calendar to mark each day can help. You can see how far you have come. This makes it easier to see progress.

Can local anaesthetics cause problems?

Local anaesthetics are usually safe, but they can cause some problems. These are called side effects.

Some people might feel a little dizzy or have a headache. Others might feel sick in their tummy.

But don’t worry, these side effects usually go away by themselves. If you feel worried, talk to your doctor or nurse.

You can use tools like picture cards or simple videos to understand better what local anaesthetic does.

What should I do if I feel sick after the treatment?

Can I drive after my surgery?

Ask your doctor if you can drive after your surgery. Surgery might make you feel tired or dizzy, which can make it unsafe to drive.

Here are some tips:

• Have someone else drive you home after the surgery.
• Follow your doctor's advice about when it is safe to drive again.
• Practice deep breathing to help you relax.

If you feel unsure, it's always best to ask for help!

What to Do if Your Cut Starts Bleeding

If your cut starts bleeding, try to stay calm. Press a clean cloth on the cut to stop the blood. Lift the cut above your heart if you can. If it keeps bleeding, get help from a grown-up or call a doctor.

Ask someone to help if you need it.