Operations

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Having an operation can be a daunting experience, often because people are unprepared and do not know what to expect. Much of this fear can be avoided by finding out what the operation involves before you go to hospital. Operations are sometimes referred to as surgery, or surgical procedures.

Having an operation does not necessarily mean that you will need to stay in hospital overnight. Many small operations can be performed in a hospitalâ€™s outpatient department and you will be allowed to go home afterwards. If you have a small operation as an outpatient, you will be given a local anaesthetic to numb the area being operated on.Some hospitals also have day surgery units. Patients can visit day surgery units for small operations and be allowed to return home later in the day or evening.

For more major operations, you may have to stay in hospital overnight or, in some cases for several nights. The length of time in hospital depends on the type of operation being performed, your general health, medical history and any complications which may arise. For major operations, a general anaesthetic will often be used. This means that you will be unconscious (like being in a deep sleep) throughout the procedure.

Operations are now safer, simpler, and more successful than ever before. More surgery is being carried out as day surgery often because of new techniques such as â€˜keyholeâ€™ surgery (known as minimally invasive surgery). This is far more convenient, less likely to disrupt your life and can greatly speed up your recovery time.

This topic contains general information on how operations are carried out in the NHS. However, some procedures may vary from hospital to hospital.