Hip Surgery On the day of surgery you will first be taken to the pre-anesthesia room where the anesthesiologist will discuss the anesthesia options. Two types of anesthesia are commonly used for hip surgery. The first is a general anesthesia, which puts you in a deep sleep and therefore requires assistance with your breathing. The risks are small and usually are related to the heart or lungs. The second type of anesthesia (epidural anesthesia) works by numbing your legs so you do not feel the operation. This is done by placing numbing medicine around the nerves that go to your legs using a small catheter in your lower back. You are also given medicine to r