Pre-op guidance › Glossary

Glossary of common terms

Plain-language explanations of words you may hear around your surgery and anaesthetic.

Anaesthetist

A specialist doctor who gives anaesthetics, manages pain, and looks after you before, during and after surgery.

Anaesthetic

Medicine that makes you unconscious (general anaesthetic) or numbs part of your body (regional anaesthetic) so you do not feel pain during surgery.

General anaesthetic (GA)

Medicine given through a drip and/or breathing mask that makes you fully asleep during your operation.

Spinal anaesthetic

An injection in the lower back that numbs your body from the waist down for a few hours. Often used for hip, knee and bowel surgery.

Epidural

A thin tube placed in the back to give continuous pain relief during and after surgery.

Nerve block

An injection of local anaesthetic near a nerve to numb a particular area of the body (for example shoulder or leg).

Local anaesthetic

Medicine that numbs a small area of the body.

PCA (patient-controlled analgesia)

A pump connected to your drip that lets you give yourself safe doses of strong pain medicine when you need it.

Paracetamol

A common pain-relieving medicine, often given regularly after surgery.

Opioids

Strong pain medicines such as morphine, oxycodone, fentanyl or tapentadol. They work well but may cause side effects like nausea, drowsiness or constipation.

Anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs)

Medicines such as ibuprofen, diclofenac or celecoxib that reduce pain and swelling. Not suitable for everyone.

Arterial line

A thin tube placed in the wrist artery to measure blood pressure continuously and take blood samples during major surgery.

Catheter (urinary)

A thin tube placed into the bladder to drain urine during or after surgery.

Drain

A tube placed during surgery to remove excess fluid or blood from the body while healing.

ICU (intensive care unit)

A specialised hospital ward where patients are monitored very closely after major or complicated surgery.

HDU (high dependency unit)

A hospital ward providing closer monitoring than a normal ward, but less intensive than ICU.

Enhanced recovery (ERAS)

A modern program that helps patients recover more quickly after surgery by focusing on good nutrition, pain relief, early mobilisation and careful monitoring.

Anastomosis

A surgical join between two parts of the bowel.

Leak (anastomotic leak)

A complication where fluid leaks from a bowel join. Rare, but closely monitored for after major bowel surgery.

Pre-assessment clinic

A clinic visit or phone call before surgery to check your health, review medications and plan your anaesthetic safely.

Fasting

Not eating or drinking for a set time before surgery to keep your stomach empty and reduce risks during anaesthesia.