Regional/Local vs. General anesthesia - Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Message Board

Tranzwarp · 08-12-2004, 09:42 AM

It's official. I'm scheduled for the Endoscopic CT Surgery next month. Here's my question. I have the option of either general anesthesia, or regional anesthesia. As I understand it, they give some sort of sedation in one arm (which induces "twilight sleep"), then administer the actual anesthesia via an IV in the hand to be snipped. Has anyone else done the regional/local route? Just curious what sort of sensations accompany this option. I'd prefer to just take a nice nap, but avoiding the groggyness (sp?) and potential nausea of a general sounds awfully nice.

Thanks,

Bill

TealHrts · 08-14-2004, 10:16 PM

Hi Bill, I had open CTS release on 7/2 and 7/16. I had the local. I was given something to relax me and it actually made me sleep through the surgeries. If I had to do it again, I wouldn't change a thing. I wasn't groggy and I was completely numb to the elbow for about 12 hours. I was sent home on pain meds and only needed them for about a week. If you have any more questions then e mail me or post here

Good Luck with your surgery.
~Tarren

lidia09 · 08-15-2004, 02:03 AM

Hi Bill
I had a local anaesthetic both times & that was the only drug I was given - no sedation. I've never really understood the need for sedation & having been wide awake throughout, would do it that way again if I needed to. I was given a choice of music to listen to & it also gave me a chance to ask the surgeon as many questions as I wanted. I had a nurse at my side throughout, who chatted away too. Afterwards, it was back to the ward for a cup of tea.

The injection of the local was somewhat painful but after that I didn't feel a thing. I just got a couple of painkillers before I left the hospital a couple of hours later. I personally feel that the sedation is more for the surgeon's benefit, just in case the patient freaks & leaps off the table or something. If you're a laid back type of person, there's no need for all those drugs pumped into you.

Lidia

Tranzwarp · 08-16-2004, 08:34 AM

Thanks, Lidia. I think I'm leaning towards the local anesthesia. I hate trying to shake off general anesth. Are you in the U.K? You mentioned having tea after the surgery. Sounds like a great way to go.

Take care,

Bill

lidia09 · 08-16-2004, 01:14 PM

Hi Bill
Yes, I'm in the UK - Scotland. I think you're actually safer with the local too. General anaesthetics do carry a risk so I'd always go for local if I was given the opportunity. Whatever you decide - all the best & hope the surgery makes a huge improvement for you.

Best wishes.
Lidia