Expert: Dr Ian Jackson - please note UK based - 2/8/2008

Question
Hello.  I have a planned cesarean and simultaneous hernia repair in a few weeks.  I had my incisional hernia repaired last year, but they will have to cut through it to deliver the baby.  After the baby is delivered, I will undergo a tubal ligation and another incisional hernia repair.  The surgeon doing the hernia repair wants me under general anesthesia.   My question is this:  Is it possible to have a spinal block for the delivery and THEN put me under the general anesthesia for the remainder of the procedure?  I am concerned that I might have to be unconscious for the birth of my baby and that my husband won't be allowed in the operating room.  I won't have an opportunity to discuss this with my doctor for another week and it is weighing heavily on my mind.  Thank you so much.

Answer
Hi Karyn
It is possible but would depend on several factors. You will have to find out if the need for you to be asleep is due to expected difficulties on getting into your tummy through the previous scars or if it is indeed just the need to have your tummy muscles paralysed so the surgeon has the best chance of repairing everything.
So I believe it is possible and it is a very reasonable question to ask. However I can't predict what they will say.
All the best
Dr Ian Jackson