Most general surgery is done under a general anaesthetic, sometimes with local anaesthetic or a nerve block for pain relief afterwards. Smaller procedures may be done with sedation and local anaesthetic. Many people go home the same day.
Common types of anaesthesia
- General anaesthetic for most abdominal operations, including keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery.
- Sedation with local anaesthetic for some smaller procedures, such as some skin and minor procedures.
- Regional techniques, such as a spinal anaesthetic or nerve block, for some groin, leg and lower body operations, or to help with pain afterwards.
Planning for recovery
Your anaesthetist plans pain relief and nausea prevention before the operation starts, so you can eat, drink and move around as soon as it is safe. Getting up and about early, with good pain relief, helps your recovery. Read about perioperative care.
Preparing
Follow your fasting and medicine instructions, stop smoking as early as you can, and arrange an adult to take you home if you are having day surgery. Read preparing for anaesthesia.
Sources
- ANZCA. Types of anaesthesia. Accessed 2 Nov 2026.
- healthdirect Australia. General anaesthetic. Last reviewed Dec 2025.
- ANZCA. PG07 Guideline on pre-anaesthesia consultation and patient preparation (2024; Appendix 1, Fasting, revised June 2026). June 2024; Appendix 1 June 2026.
- Written by
- Altitude Creative, health content team, on behalf of Dr Walid Aly
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In an emergency, call 000. This information is general and does not replace advice from your treating practitioner.