Developing world. Patients' choice of anaesthetic techniques in a developing country

A study of the choice between general and local anaesthetic techniques among 200 post-operative Nigerian patients was conducted, using a questionnaire. The patients were interviewed between two and seven days after various types of surgery. Most of the patients (59.5%) preferred general anaesthesia. The commonest reason was fear with psychological upset if they are awake during surgery. This appears to be a basic human feeling which does not appear to be related to sophistication or level of development. Adequate pre-operative communication between doctors and patients should minimise this apprehension. 18% preferred local anaesthetic techniques while 21.5% would not mind either.