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How Safe Is Spinal Anaesthesia?

Posted on Sat, 10 Jan 2015

Question: I am scheduled for outpatient surgery on my knee and do not want Versed as I want to remember everything and Fentanyl in the past caused my respiration to stay down. Do I have other choices?

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (30 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
spinal anaesthesia is safe

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for posting
I have gone through your query and understand your concern.My suggestion would be to go for spinal anaesthesia .You will be awake throughout the procedure.
Hope this helps.
Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Mukesh Chugh (43 minutes later)

With spinal anesthesia don't you have to remain prone for a period of time after the surgery?

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (12 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Under spinal anaesthesia you will be awake

Detailed Answer:
Hello
You are welcome
Yes,patient should be in lying down position in bed for 24hours but it could be supine/prone or lateral.All drugs (general anaesthesia ) will cause sedation,so if your choice is to remain awake during surgery then spinal anaesthesia is the only option.This may be given at lower spinal level and by drug lignocaine to have fast recovery from anaesthesia .
Hope this answers your query .
Take care

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar