
Show Notes
In this episode, the PAAC team explore regional anaesthesia — what it is, how it works, and when it’s used. Guest anaesthesiologist, Dr Ben Atterton, explains how this type of anaesthetic can numb specific areas of the body while keeping you awake and comfortable during surgery and recovery. He discusses the different types of regional blocks, what to expect before and after the procedure, and how this approach can help with pain control and recovery. You will also hear from patient ‘Grace’ who shares her experience of having a regional anaesthetic in The South Dublin Surgical Hub.
For more information: Check out the Operation Preparation ‘Steps For A Stronger Start’ website here, where transcripts of this episode can be found. You can visit the PAAC webpage here and the St James's Hospital website here.
View the video of a regional anaesthetic procedure here.
Email the team with questions/topics you would like us to cover here at [email protected].
Abbreviations: PAAC: Pre Anaesthetic Assessment Clinic GP: General Practitioner
This podcast is for general guidance and information only. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions regarding a medical condition. Music created and recorded by Niall Malone & Mikey Murray. Recording & Sound Production by Kevin at Philtrum Pictures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
More from Operation Preparation
In the final episode of Season 4, the PAAC team explores perioperative care and cancer support and resouces. This episode features the Irish Cancer Society with Director of Clinical Affairs Amy Nolan and breast cancer survivor Anna.
In this episode the team are joined by guest speaker, paediatric Consultant Anaesthesiologist and Intensivist Dr Suzane Crowe and the PAAC team focuses on preparing children and families for surgery. This episode outlines what happens on the day, including admission, play therapy support and meeting the theatre staff. They describe anaesthesia options such as face mask or IV cannula induction, monitoring devices, and expected behaviours during going asleep and recovery.
In this episode, the PAAC team focuses on the role of The Pain Team in managing your pain after surgery with guest speakers Dr Aine O Gara -consultant in Pain Medicine - and Pain Clinical Nurse Specialist Lynn O Donnell. They explain how specialists use techniques such as epidurals, nerve blocks, and patient-controlled analgesia (PCA), alongside oral and IV medications, to provide individualized pain relief. Patients are encouraged to communicate openly about their pain, side effects, and previous medication use to ensure effective treatment. This episode highlights the importance of pain control for optimum recovery, including mobility and breathing exercises, and outlines how to manage pain in hospital and at home.
Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon Ms Rebecca Weedle, Consultant Cardiothoracic Anaesthetist Dr Lauren O Callaghan and Advanced Nurse Practitioner Stephie Keating guide listeners through the most common types of lung surgeries and what to expect before, during and after surgery.
In this episode, the team explains what to expect when having heart surgery. Listeners are guided through the journey from consultation, pre-assessment, hospital admission, surgery involving a heart-lung machine and specialist teams. Recovery begins in ICU, with early movement encouraged with an average hospital stay of about a week. Patients receive follow-up care and cardiac rehabilitation to support recovery. Patient Dave highlights that while surgery is major, it is manageable and that preparation, support and patience are key to a successful recovery.