Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 2/15/2008

Question
hello.  i am due to have a uterine fibroid embolization procedure on the 20th.  i am thinking of backing out because of what they are using and my other health conditions. i am 44 years old, 100 pounds overweight, sleep apnea, asthma, and intermitten atrial fibulation.  i am afraid that using fentanyl and versed for the sedation will kill me because of respiratory depression.  after the procedure they "have" to give me narcotics because of the intense pain post procedure.  i have gotten no reassurance from the doc or anestesiologist.  do you think it is safe?  would it do any good to lose about 50 pounds and then have the procedure? thankyou for your help
maryann

Answer
Certainly weight loss can't hurt you and I would be sure to have an anesthesiologist performing the anesthesia but there is no reason you can't have the procedure. It might be prudent to spend the night in the hospital so you can be monitored for sleep apnea but otherwise there are enough safety precautions (including intubating you if necessary) that you can have the procedure now if you want.

Ronald Levy, MD
Associate Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston