Monday Myth’s: Local Anesthesia is Safer than General
August 30th, 2010
Surgery is done by many medical subspecialties. Some of these are surgical specialties like plastic surgery, ENT surgery, and gynecology. Most of these surgeons have privileges in hospitals and out patient facilities called surgi-centers. They generally perform all types of anesthesia including local, sedation and general and the safest and most comfortable anesthesia is selected, based on the surgical task at hand.
It is important to select a physician that has surgical privileges at a hospital for the procedure that you are having, as it often serves as a level of assurance that are judged capable by that hospital.
“Local anesthesia is safer than general anesthesia.” Understand that all anesthesia presents some risk. For the simplest of surgeries (mole excision, eyelid surgery, hair transplant), local anesthesia is safe and works very well. However, as surgeries become more complex and involving larger areas (liposuction, tummy tucks), the amount of local anesthesia necessary for patient comfort increases to the point where toxicity is a risk. In these situations, local anesthesia can be more dangerous than general anesthesia.
Finally, when general anesthetic or IV sedation is used, your well-being will be carefully monitored by a nurse anesthetist and/or an anesthesiologist. This added “pair of eyes and ears” goes a long way in ensuring your safety. It is also important to understand the accreditation of both the facility and the physician. There are several websites to check this status for physicians such as, The American Board of Medical Specialties. Surgi-centers or ambulatory surgery centers (ASC), sometimes called outpatient surgery centers or same day surgery centers are also certified. The three main accreditors of ASC facilities are American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF), Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (Accreditation Association or AAAHC) and The Joint Commission.
Lipo as a quick fix? Part 2
June 15th, 2010
Lipo as weight loss? Part 2
Why isn’t Lipo a quick fix for weight reduction? We all may struggle with a few extra pounds. This is one of the blessings of living in an affluent society, access to food-a-plenty. However, these extra pounds can put us at risk for serious medical problems. Some of the problems include diabetes, heart disease, and many forms of cancer. The sedentary lifestyle associated with being over-weight also contributes to a score of health risks. Reduced physical activity increases a women’s risk for osteoporosis. Severe obesity contributes to joint problems, serious skin conditions and increased blood pressure. Extra abdominal weight also increases the risk of gastric reflux or heartburn. Reflux of stomach acid or gastric juice aspirated into the lungs may lead to life threatening pneumonia.
Anesthesia and sedation during surgery carry increased risks for heavier patients, as well. The most serious is airway or breathing related problems. Decreased ability to take very deep breaths, along with actual partial breathing passage closure can pose significant threats during anesthesia.
Several measures taken after surgery may often reduce some risks, but not eliminate them. Obese patients have a more difficult time walking right after surgery, thus increasing their risk. Walking after surgery is critical to reduce blood clots in the legs, as clots can break free and become lodged in the lung, resulting in sudden death. Ease of mobility is an important factor. Healthy patients usually have an easier recovery from surgery and suffer from fewer complications.
Check back tomorrow for Lipo as weight loss? Part 3
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