Regional anaesthesia numbs all feeling in a specific region of the body - a procedure known as a peripheral nerve block - about 90 minutes before the first incision is made.
Patients are given a mild sedative to help them relax, but otherwise remain conscious and, importantly, pain-free throughout their op, without experiencing any of the side effects associated with general anaesthesia, such as fasting beforehand and prolonged drowsiness and nausea afterwards.
They don't need as much pain relieving medication, particularly morphine, and they can start their recovery sooner. In fact, once the last stitch has gone in, they can enjoy a cup of tea and a biscuit, just like 78-year-old John Croke, who chose regional anaesthesia for his second hip replacement after having the first done under general anaesthesia.
"It was a lot quicker and more pleasant than the first one I had done. I didn't feel a thing and was able to chat to the doctors and ask what they were up to," he explains. "I would definitely recommend it to anybody."
Was he worried about the prospect of being awake throughout? "I didn't mind," he says. "The most important thing to remember is that [anaesthesia] is safer this way and I know the doctors here are always doing the best for you," he explains.
John says that he heard some of the mechanics of his procedure, but patients don't have to; they can listen to music of their choice on the iPad provided.
A small pilot study of patients at the hospital who did so, showed that all of them would recommend regional anaesthesia and would prefer to have further surgery done this way in future.