BOPDHB Patient Resources Fractured Neck of Femur Patient Handbook- May 2015 | Page 22

In hospital

Spinal anaesthesia
A measured dose of local anaesthetic is injected into the area of
the back that contains spinal fluid using a very small needle. The
injection is generally well tolerated and will make you go numb from
the waist down. This means you will feel no pain, though you will
remain conscious. A screen will shield the operation so you will not
see the operation unless you want to. Your anaesthetist is always
near you and you can speak to them whenever you want to.
If you prefer, you can also have drugs that make you feel sleepy
and relaxed (sedation). This will mean you will not be aware of
what is happening during surgery though you may hear the noises
of what is going on around you.
Advantages
This generally provides better pain relief, and as such you do not
need so much strong pain relieving medicine in the first 24 hours
after the operation.
There is some evidence that less bleeding may occur during
surgery which would reduce your risk of needing a blood
transfusion or developing blood clots.
You remain in full control of your breathing. Your breathing should
be better in the first few hours after the operation, so you have a
lower chance of developing a chest infection. You should have less
sickness and drowsiness after the operation and may be able to
eat, drink and walk sooner.
Risks
Common side-effects (less than 1 in 100) include headache, dizziness,
bladder problems, aches and pains and bruising/ soreness.
Uncommon side-effects (less than 1 in 1000) include itching and
existing medical conditions getting worse.

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Rare side effects (less than 1 in 10,000+) include serious drug
allergy, nerve damage, equipment failure, heart attack, stroke or
death.