Question:
What type of anethesia is used during a lap-rny?

I have been wondering about this... do they permit "twilight sleep" during this surgery? I have had it for other procedures..and never knew a thing.. I know the risk is much greater if one is put under general anethesia...I would definately like my risks..decreased..Thanks!!    — chris S. (posted on April 28, 2003)

April 28, 2003
Well, now you have me wondering the same thing. It's my understanding that they use general anesthesia incase of an emergency "open" procedure. My doctor states he starts all RNY's lap but sometimes if things get in the way... like an enlarged liver, and he can't see everything well enough, then he has to open. I want my risks reduced also, but I will tell you I've had bad experiences in "twilight" sleep. I can remember excruciating pain during one procedure where they put me in twilight sleep, but could say or do nothing about it. I am not trying to frighten anyone... it was just MY experience, and personally I'd rather take the risk of being completely under.
   — Happy I.

April 28, 2003
While you are under the anethesia you really don't have to worry about the risk. The risks are from reactions and not being put completely under. While you are under a tube is down you throat doing all the breathing for you. They do not remove that tube until you are breathing very well on your own. I wouldn't worry about that part. The biggest risk are after your out of surgery. Like from bloodclots and pain meds putting you too far under. You will really be fine during surgery. They really monitor you closely and take very good care of you. Most deaths occur after you come through the surgery. The key is doing exactly what your doctor tells you to do.
   — D. Bell

April 28, 2003
HI~ I had general last Thurs 4/24. I had breathing tube as well. My throat is still a bit sore from it.I had lar rny with a hernia removed. It took almost 2 hrs. I was surrounded by wonderful nurses in recovery where they pumped me morphine for my pain. I was home by Sat 4/26!!I'm a little sore and tired. GO FOR THE LAP!GOOD LUCK:)
   — leslie M.

April 28, 2003
During the Lap procedure you must have general anesthesia because they will be intubating you and breathing for you. My understanding is that you can or do have a partial collapse of your left lung due to where the surgery is performed and the fact that they fill your body cavity with gas to expand and make room for the surgeon to do his work. Nice visual, huh? The general anesthesia also really helped with post op pain I thought. I had no pain for about 12-15 hours after surgery, though I could get up and walk around.
   — Carol S.