Anaesthesia: Relief, risks and recovery

By 1901, they were conducting more than 200 surgeries annually under general anaesthesia using chloroform.
However, while anaesthesia has been transformative in enabling complex surgeries and reducing patient discomfort, it carries complexities and risks.

These include potential adverse reactions to anaesthetic agents, complications during induction and recovery, and the need for careful monitoring to maintain patient safety.

Nassali’s experience
Evelyn Nassali, a mother of three, recalls missing the immediate bonding moment with her second child after her Caesarean section (C-section). It took her nearly an hour to regain consciousness. Before the procedure, her emotions were a mix of fear, anticipation, and excitement about meeting her baby. Nassali was given spinal anaesthesia, which was supposed to numb her from the waist down. However, she initially felt sensations in the area. After receiving a second dose, she slipped into what felt like a deep sleep.

“When I woke up in the recovery room, my baby was swaddled and asleep beside me. It felt surreal. I had no memory of the surgery or the time that had passed,” she recalls.

Her recovery was challenging; she experienced severe pain, difficulty sitting up and hallucinations.

The initial post-surgery medication was ineffective and had to be changed. Nassali’s mother later told her that she
had been unconscious and unresponsive for several minutes after the surgery, requiring close monitoring by the nurses.

“While I am grateful for the safe delivery of my baby, the experience taught me that C-sections can be un-
predictable, and you must be prepared mentally and physically for both the procedure and recovery,” she reflects.

Nalwanga’s seamless surgical experience
For Charlotte Nalwanga, a mother of one, anaesthesia made her C-section a seamless experience. After receiving spinal anaesthesia, she felt calm as her lower body became completely numb. The medical team reassured her throughout the procedure, and she felt no pain.

“I only felt a strange pressure, as if someone were gently tugging inside my belly. Within an hour, I was out of the theatre and heard my baby’s first cry. Holding my newborn was the most magical moment of my life,” she shares.

Nalwanga recovered well and was walking by the next day, with no complications.

Ram’s ongoing struggles with eye surgery

Edwin Ram has undergone four surgeries on his right eye since 2010, following an injury caused by an insect.

During his first surgery in 2013, he expected the anaesthesia to involve an injection into his eye. Instead, the doctors used an ointment. Although the surgery was pain-free, he suffered severe post-surgical pain due to a protective shield placed in his eye'.

“The shield caused intense pain, and after a sleepless night, I returned to have it removed. Though relieved, I
still had lingering pain from the eye drops,” he explains.

In his later surgeries in 2023 and 2024, anaesthesia was not always effective. He felt significant pain during the procedures, despite additional applications of anaesthetic ointment.

Ram remains grateful to the doctors, as he can now detect shapes and movements, although his vision is still impaired.

A dental patient’s unexpected journey
Allen Katusiime had her wisdom tooth removed under local anaesthesia. Despite assurances from her dentist, the initial dose did not fully numb the area, necessitating two additional shots before the procedure could continue. Although the extraction was eventually pain-free, the process was unsettling.

“It felt like it lasted forever, though it was just a few minutes,” she recalls.

Her recovery took about two weeks, aided by prescribed medication.

Types and uses
Dr Judith Nalukwago, a dental surgeon, says there are different types of anaesthesia: Local anaesthesia numbs a specific area while the patient remains fully conscious, commonly used for dental procedures.

Regional anaesthesia numbs a larger area by targeting specific nerves, such as those involved in chest surgeries while general anaesthesia puts the patient to sleep and often requires machines to support breathing.

Sedation alters the the patient’s consciousness, leaving them drowsy but able to breathe independently.

Benefits of anaesthesia
Anaesthesia alleviates pain, helps patients relax and improves surgical outcomes. It is especially beneficial for children who may panic at the sight of medical instruments.

However, complications can arise, including incomplete numbing if the local anaesthesia is improperly administered or if there is an infection in the area.

Aspiration is also a risk under general anaesthesia, where relaxed swallowing muscles may allow stomach contents to enter the lungs. This risk can be mitigated by fasting before surgery. Recovery may be prolonged due to high anaesthetic doses, pre-existing medical conditions, or individual metabolic rates.

Preparation and risks
Thorough preparation is essential before administering anaesthesia, Dr Nalukwago advises patients to honestly share their medical history, follow fasting instructions, and ask questions about the procedure and its risks.

Serious but rare complications

Dr Patience Atumanya, a consultant anaesthesiologist, highlights rare but serious complications such as allergic reactions, nerve damage, or prolonged recovery.

However, anaesthesia providers are trained to handle these emergencies and closely monitor high-risk patients. Factors that influence recovery include metabolism, pre-existing conditions such as liver or kidney disease, and current medications.

Older adults and individuals with conditions such as obesity or diabetes may experience slower recovery. Understanding these factors can help patients prepare for anaesthesia and its effects. 

Before 
According to www.nhs.uk, it is crucial to follow the instructions provided regarding: When to stop eating and drinking,
which is typically a few hours before the procedure.

Whether to continue taking your regular medications.

Washing:
You may be asked to use a disinfecting showergel for a few days prior to the anaesthetic