How often are adults given general anaesthesia by gas/mask induction over IV? (UK Based)

[Warp9]

Quick question, how often are adults in the UK given general anaesthesia by mask induction over IV?

I believe mask induction these days is largely done with something called Sevoflurane, but could be wrong on that.

I ask as I’m having knee surgery next month which will be under GA, and I’m just wondering what methods of general anaesthesia induction will be available to me? I am a 31 yr old male.

I know when I have blood tests; it often takes them multiple attempts and time to find my veins with lots of prodding around in my arms, so just wondering if they would offer me GA by mask induction, and then do the IV once I’m under, or if it'll be IV only?

Of course I know this comes down to peoples opinions and is not official medical advice.

Regards.

[Fruitandnutcase]

I don’t know about anaesthesia via mask but I do have veins that can be tricky to get blood from. I now tell whoever is going to try and get blood out. The phlebotomist at my last surgery was a lovely girl and she used to use a ‘child’s needle’ I think it was just a very fine needle. I also discovered one arm was better than the other so that works better for me too. So it might be an idea to warn whoever is going to be doing your IV that other people have had problems in the past before they start.

Good luck - hope your op goes well. I don’t know if you know but you can hire an ice machine for after knee surgery. A friend did that after her second knee replacement and she said it made a huge difference to her progress - much easier than using ice packs like she did for the first knee - it was so good that she even extended the hire period.

[KazLS]

I have very small and elusive veins and getting blood samples is always a painful problem- needing multiple attempts!I have had 2 GAs recently with an IV in the back of my hand and the anesthetist had absolutely no problem inserting it- it was quick and painless. I think anesthetist are so experienced at inserting catheters that even the trickiest vein isn't a problem for them

[Fruitandnutcase in reply to KazLS]

I’d sat exactly the same thing. When my favourite phlebotomist moved on I used to just collect the blood request and go to my local hospital - the place is always packed out so the do loads of bloods every day. I just gove them my preferred arm and tell them I’ve been tricky in the past and off they go. Like you say anaesthetists are probably exactly the same.

[ROSModerator Partner]

Hi Warp9,

Welcome to our community, thank you for joining us here 😊We can see our wonderful members have already shared some information with you - thank you everyone. We're not sure from your post what surgery you may be having, but just in case, we wanted to let you know that 'Versus Arthritis' have some useful information around knee replacement surgery: versusarthritis.org/about-a...

There is also an 'Arthritis Action' community here on Health Unlocked that might be useful to look into to hear more: healthunlocked.com/arthriti...

We hope you continue to connect and share, and find the support you're looking for.

All the best,

Lulu

ROS Moderator