1. < Spine Health

General anesthesia w/ cervical stenosis for hernia repair

Posted by cudabinacontenda @cudabinacontenda, Oct 8 3:40pm

Hi, all. I’m scheduled for laparoscopic repair of a recurrent hernia next month. The laparoscopic approach requires general anesthesia. I’m worried about my moderate cervical stenosis (C5-6) being aggravated by the head position required. Has anyone here dealt with same? I’d be interested in your experience, decisions and outcomes. I’m a 64-year-old male, if that is a factor. Thank you.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Spine Health Support Group.

Mentor
Jennifer, Volunteer Mentor | @jenniferhunter | Oct 8 4:41pm

@cudabinacontenda This is a question you must direct to your surgeon. I expect that they will accommodate your request to proceed with caution in moving or positioning you when you are under anesthesia. Do you know how they plan to position you when on the operating table? I doubt your age is a factor, but other medical conditions can be. All of it needs to be discussed when they clear you for surgery.

REPLY
2 replies
cudabinacontenda | @cudabinacontenda | Oct 8 4:59pm
In reply to @jenniferhunter "@cudabinacontenda This is a question you must direct to your surgeon. I expect that they will..." + (show)
@jenniferhunter

@cudabinacontenda This is a question you must direct to your surgeon. I expect that they will accommodate your request to proceed with caution in moving or positioning you when you are under anesthesia. Do you know how they plan to position you when on the operating table? I doubt your age is a factor, but other medical conditions can be. All of it needs to be discussed when they clear you for surgery.

Jump to this post

Thanks, Jennifer. I always look forward to reading your comments. Yes, I have discussed it with him. He said he can perform the surgery through open incision, if I’m concerned about general anesthesia. But that is not the standard way to approach a hernia recurrence. He’s a reputable surgeon at a COE, so I’m sure he’s confident he can do it. But it sounds riskier. Yet, I have less confidence in medical teams truly paying continuous attention to”positioning” and other customized needs during procedures. Unfortunately, I have a lot of experience as a surgery patient and have had several awful things happen. My trust has been seriously damaged. That’s why I’m reaching out here to fellow patients — not for advice, but for info on their own experiences.

REPLY
1 reply
Mentor
Jennifer, Volunteer Mentor | @jenniferhunter | Oct 8 5:06pm
In reply to @cudabinacontenda "Thanks, Jennifer. I always look forward to reading your comments. Yes, I have discussed it with..." + (show)
@cudabinacontenda

Thanks, Jennifer. I always look forward to reading your comments. Yes, I have discussed it with him. He said he can perform the surgery through open incision, if I’m concerned about general anesthesia. But that is not the standard way to approach a hernia recurrence. He’s a reputable surgeon at a COE, so I’m sure he’s confident he can do it. But it sounds riskier. Yet, I have less confidence in medical teams truly paying continuous attention to”positioning” and other customized needs during procedures. Unfortunately, I have a lot of experience as a surgery patient and have had several awful things happen. My trust has been seriously damaged. That’s why I’m reaching out here to fellow patients — not for advice, but for info on their own experiences.

Jump to this post

@cudabinacontenda You also have the option to discuss this with the entire surgical team when they wheel you into the operating room (provided they didn't knock you out), and with everyone who sees you before the procedure. You could ask about wearing a neck brace during surgery if that wouldn't interfere with administering anesthesia or intubation.

REPLY
cudabinacontenda | @cudabinacontenda | Oct 8 5:23pm

That’s a good point. I have a call scheduled for Monday with the PA. I will raise all these issues again and request a follow-up discussion with the surgeon. I don’t want to make rushed decisions when I’m on the gurney.

REPLY
morkat | @morkat | Oct 12 2:44pm
In reply to @jenniferhunter "@cudabinacontenda This is a question you must direct to your surgeon. I expect that they will..." + (show)
@jenniferhunter

@cudabinacontenda This is a question you must direct to your surgeon. I expect that they will accommodate your request to proceed with caution in moving or positioning you when you are under anesthesia. Do you know how they plan to position you when on the operating table? I doubt your age is a factor, but other medical conditions can be. All of it needs to be discussed when they clear you for surgery.

Jump to this post

I have had surgery many times, I tell the docs up front about my spine. It turned out pretty well and if you are flat on your back it should be OK. Good Luck!

REPLY
1 reply
cudabinacontenda | @cudabinacontenda | Oct 13 1:49pm
In reply to @morkat "I have had surgery many times, I tell the docs up front about my spine. It..." + (show)
@morkat

I have had surgery many times, I tell the docs up front about my spine. It turned out pretty well and if you are flat on your back it should be OK. Good Luck!

Jump to this post

Morkat, do you have cervical stenosis?

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.