Emergency

Anaesthesia

The Anaesthesia Department at Zuger Kantonsspital ensures that you remain pain-free and safe throughout your surgical procedure. Our team of anaesthetists will support you from the preparation stage right through to when you wake up, providing expert care whilst taking your individual circumstances into account.

 

+41 41 399 33 00+41 41 399 33 01anaesthesie@zgks.ch

What is anaesthesia?

"Anaesthesia" means insensitivity and is the umbrella term for all methods of anaesthesia that make surgery possible in the first place. The aim is for you to undergo the procedure without pain or stress. Throughout the anaesthesia, we continuously monitor your general condition, from your breathing and blood pressure to many other bodily functions.

General anaesthesia or regional anaesthesia?

Which method is suitable depends on the operation and your individual circumstances. With general anaesthesia – full anaesthesia – we put your whole body into a sleep-like state; the sensation of pain is suppressed and breathing is supported artificially. With regional anaesthesia, on the other hand, we only numb part of the body, such as an arm or a leg. We will discuss together which method is best suited to you.

Your preparation: the pre-operative consultation

During the pre-operative consultation, we will explain the procedure and the advantages and disadvantages of the various methods in a face-to-face discussion. To ensure we can prepare you as effectively as possible, we ask you to complete the anaesthesia questionnaire carefully and submit it in advance, preferably electronically. The information sheet will help you to note down any questions you may have before your appointment.

Pain management during childbirth

We also provide effective pain relief during childbirth. The standard method is obstetric epidural anaesthesia (PDA). If required, we can alternatively offer you a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump. You will receive the necessary forms in advance during a pregnancy check-up. Please bring these with you, completed and signed, when you come to give birth, as there is hardly any time for a detailed discussion whilst you are in labour.

Why choose Zuger Kantonsspital

Our Institute for Anaesthesia & Intensive Care works closely with the surgical and obstetric teams. This ensures that your care is seamlessly coordinated. As a teaching hospital recognised by the Swiss Institute for Medical Further Education and Training (SIWF), we also train the next generation of anaesthetists.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between general anaesthesia and local anaesthesia?

With general anaesthesia, the whole body is put into a sleep-like state and breathing is supported artificially. With regional anaesthesia, only one part of the body – such as an arm or a leg – is numbed, whilst you remain awake. Which method is suitable depends on the procedure and your individual circumstances.

How do I prepare for my anaesthetic?

Please complete the anaesthesia questionnaire carefully and return it in advance, preferably electronically. We will then discuss all further details with you in person during your pre-operative consultation. This will enable us to tailor the procedure to your specific needs.

Do I need to have an empty stomach before an operation?

As a general rule, you must not eat any solid food for 6 hours before the procedure. Clear liquids such as water, tea, coffee with a little milk, sweet drinks and juices without pulp are permitted up to 2 hours before the operation. From 2 hours before the operation, you should only drink water in small sips, up to a maximum of 250 ml. We will provide you with detailed information well in advance of your procedure.

What options are available for pain relief during childbirth?

The standard method is obstetric epidural anaesthesia (PDA) via an epidural catheter. Alternatively, we offer a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump if required. We will discuss which method is right for you on an individual basis.

How safe is anaesthesia?

Modern anaesthesia is a well-established and closely monitored procedure. We continuously monitor your vital signs throughout the procedure. During the pre-operative consultation, we also assess your individual circumstances to ensure the procedure is as safe as possible.