Anesthesia preference?

[roksolid]

Hey guys...

I'm coming up for surgery next week, and I had a question for the assembled masses...

If the surgeon gave you a choice between general anesthesia and a bupivicaine spinal block with a propofol drip, what way would you go? I have my particular preferences because of troubles with careless anesthetists in the past, and I'm leaning toward the block (if he gives me the choice).

Under what circumstances would a surgeon want a general for a procedure that lasts ~ 90 minutes? Wouldn't induction and recovery be longer?

rok

[Hawkman]

Spinal block will likely give you hours of pain control after surgery. Just don’t let that cause you to overdo it.

[roksolid]

I'm glad a Bier block isn't an option!

About 13 years ago, I underwent a 5 hour gastric bypass procedure under general. The assigned anesthetist wasn't paying attention when I was becoming more and more conscious, so I choked hard on the endo-tracheal tube and consequently blew a bunch of capillaries in my eyes, turning both sclera bright red. I'd rather not have that happen again.

If they can dose me with a spinal block and use some Propofol to keep me sub-conscious with a patent airway, I'm good.

Wasn't there some difference in muscular or vascular relaxation in the pelvis with a spinal block versus general anesthesia? I swore I read that somewhere as being a benefit when fitting IPPs.

rok