My local hospital is very good in out patients with the using of gel. As they take people in and out they stop at the gel and make sure everyone uses it. With regards to the local anesthetic, I have had two foot operations done this way. The surgeon himself came to my room and gave me the anesthetic humself . When in theatre he asked did I want to lie down or sit up. I chose to sit up so they erected a frame and put a large green sheet over so I could not see. He must have noticed that I had been reading in my room and asked if I wanted my book to read. He sent a nurse to get it so I sat reading and chatting to both the surgeon and the nurses. I was aware of them touching me but nothing else. I went back to my room and within a short time after tea and a sandwich I was on my way home. I have had two other operations where a general anesthetic was given and I found coming round from them and getting back to normal was far more traumatic than the operations. So given a choice, personally I would go for local. If you feel you may see something you would rather not you can just close your eyes. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.   Jayxxx