Question:
I cannot be given gas for general anesthesia,can an epidural only be used?

I have an allergic reaction to the gases used for general anesthesia. The last time I was given a general was for a tubal ligation 15 years ago, and I actually DIED on the operating table. Fortunately, I had a very good anesthesiologist with a quick mind, so I am still here. I am interested in WLS, but am concerned about the anesthesia aspect of the surgery. Is an epidural only,possible? Help!!!    — Deletta L. (posted on May 9, 2000)

May 9, 2000
I'm an RN who works in surgery. Did you have something called malignant hyperthermia? My answer will pertain to the thinking that that is what it sounds like happened, but more info would be great... Many of the new anesthesia does not have such a high incidence of the malignant hyperthermia (MH) as what it used to. I have MH in my family in response to a gas called Halothane (it can run in families, but luckily I haven't ever had a problem). Talk to the anestheiologist and your surgery team well ahead of time... There may be options they can use..... In actual answer to your question about the epidural.... I don't know. My surgeon hates them even for pain control... Sorry if this rambles, my pain meds are kicking in. I had surgery last week. Best of luck. Don't lose hope
   — Cindi W.

May 9, 2000
There is one true "allergy" to gas anesthestics and it is called "Malignant Hyperthermia." It runs in families. You can die from it. However, because of extensive research on this disorder, you can be given "general anesthesia" in a safe fashion that will/should not "trigger" an episode of malignant hyperthermia (MH). All competent anesthesiologists are familiar with delivering "safe" general anesthesia for patients with MH. Find out for certain if this is what happened to you. Lots of times things "go wrong" under anesthesia and the patient is told it was an "allergic reaction" when the real cause was never known or it was improperly administered anesthesia. Get the facts on your episode, and then have a private consultation with the anesthesiologist who is going to administer YOUR anesthesia before your surgery day (as long a time before as possible). If you have had an episode of MH do not be afraid of having general anesthesia. Make sure you have a board certified and competent anesthesiologist (M.D.) on your case. And of course, discuss all of this with your surgeon, too.
   — Heddy-Dale M.

April 21, 2001
My anesthesiologist told me that due to the location of the surgery in the upper abdomen/chest, an epidural could not be used for the surgery itself, but that I could have one for pain control afterward. (It would be put in during surgery)
   — [Anonymous]