Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 10/25/2010

Question
hello Dr. Levy my daughters going to have to b put under to have her teeth pulled,age 5 they r talking 2-4 hrs of being under general anestheia(in the o.r) my children have never been put under and no medical problems,the only thing they have is sickle cell trait...(not the disease),is this safe i know there r risks for general,but are the risks low?and her having sickle cell trait would that affect her being put under knowing its just the trait?im nervous want to get this done and over with just need reassurance thanks so much kim

Answer
As long as the anesthesiologist takes appropriate precautions for sickle trait (keeping the room warm, keeping oxygen levels up, etc) there is minimal risk for your daughter. While she is at greater risk than the general public, the risk is still significantly small. Don't worry.


Ronald Levy, MD
Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston