Expert: Dr Ian Jackson - please note UK based - 5/11/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hello  Good Dr.   I am allergic to all drugs in the benzo category.  I am facing upcoming laproscopic surgery.  Benzos work well but since I can't have any, what are the alternatives that can be administered without horrible side effects. I have an irregular heart beat at times with elevated blood pressure mostly caused by anxiety and I have diabetes.  Can you provide any names so that I could look them up. I would so appreciate your reply. I am typical as that I worry I just won't wake up from surgery.  Also, please, is there anything used during surgery that is less worrisome than others? Like is there something I should definitely not be given?  Thanks.  "A worried grandmother."

ANSWER: Hi Eliza or 'worried grandmother'
I would not use benzodiazepines as part of a general anaesthetic for laparoscopic surgery - so I don't see this as an issue.
From you point of view it would bebest if you could go to theatre without any sedative drugs like the benzos but if your anxiety is such that the anaesthetist has to give you something then he/she has plenty of choices.
Modern anaesthesia is very safe - there are always risks in life even crossing the road but modern surgery/anaesthesia has minimised these issues.
There is nothing that you need to ask for or ask the anaesthetist to avoid apart from those agents you are allergic to.
You will be fine.
Kind regards
Dr Ian Jackson

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your reply.  Someone I met told me that since Benzos are the primary drug used in correlation with anesthesia and that doctors are more used to giving it than not and if left to other drugs I will have a huge problem such as having more anesthesia which will cause other problems. Is this true? I am sort of terrified. By the way the reason I'm asking this of you at this time is that I have not as yet spoken to the anesthesioligt at the hospitl That is done a week prior to surgery. I am just anxious sitting  here at home worried to death.  Thanks.

Answer
Sorry but benzodiazepines went out with the Ark here in the UK so not sure what your friend is talking about.
Hope this reassures - just speak to the anaesthetist about your worries. Sorry but no point in discussing with 'friends' who don't know and only feed your concerns!
Kind regards
Dr Ian Jackson