Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 2/29/2008

Question
I am going for a GI push enteroscopy w/biopsies & ulcer repair on Monday. (Dr says approx 45 min O.R. time.) I am also going for wrist/arm surgery on Weds. (Dr says approx 1 1/2 hr O.R. time.)  As these are being performed in 2 different medical facilities I am not able to combine surgeries.  I am wondering what the risks are of having anesthesia 2ce in such a short time?  I am not brave enough to just have "block" for wrist surgery.  Do I need to inform anestesiologist about multiple surgeries?  Is there a specific drug that would be more advisable for them to use?  I usually do OK, except for bad nausea (luckily I'm not a person who vomits easily).  Thank you for giving of your time & expertise.  It is a valuable service you do.

Answer
There is no problem with 2 surgeries that close together (in fact we often do it for patients with burns, etc). There is no specific drug but you might want to mention the nausea because there are meds we can give you for that.

Ronald Levy, MD
Associate Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston