Patient information

This leaflet is about nerve damage which can happen after a peripheral nerve block. It explains the causes and what can be done about it.

This leaflet is about the risk of dying and coming to serious harm as the result of a general anaesthetic and surgery. It explains why death and serious harm can happen and what can be done to prevent these risks.

This leaflet is about the risk of waking up during a general anaesthetic. This is known as ‘accidental awareness’. It explains why it might happen and what can be done about it.

This leaflet is about the risk of having a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) during a general anaesthetic. It explains what might cause an allergic reaction and what can be done about it.

This leaflet is about the risk of nerve damage which can happen following surgery with a general anaesthetic. It explains the different types of nerve damage, the causes and what can be done.

This leaflet is about the risk of injuries to the eye during or after a general anaesthetic. It explains the causes and what can be done about it.

This leaflet is about the risk of getting a chest infection after a general anaesthetic. This is a side effect that you might experience if you have a general anaesthetic. The leaflet explains the causes of a chest infection and what can be done about it.

This leaflet is about damage to your teeth, lips and tongue, which can happen if you have a general anaesthetic. It explains how this damage might occur and what can be done about it.

This leaflet is about having a sore throat after a general anaesthetic. This is a side effect that you might experience if you have a general anaesthetic. It explains the causes of a sore throat and what can be done about it.

Malignant hyperthermia, also called malignant hyperpyrexia, is a rare condition that runs in some families. In people who are affected, some anaesthetic drugs and gases can cause a rapid and dangerous rise in body temperature.