Expert: JM Starkman, MD - 12/8/2010

Question
I have had MG for 20 years.  I initially got the symptoms when I underwent surgery for laperscopy the anesthesia used was anictin a curare based anesthesia and it cause severe MG and I have had to live with a feeding tube for the past 18 years.  My throat is still very paralyzed and I have not eaten orally for 18 years.  I am scheduled to have breast surgery and would like to know if there are any anesthesia that could be used.  The anesthesiologist said he could use a non- muscle relaxant type that would sedate me but not relax the muscles could you suggest anything and have you ever worked with this problem

Answer
Yes, I have and the problem and its options for anesthesia are well-worked-out and have been for sometime.  A board-certified anesthesiologist (?is yours? did you ask?) ought to be able to manage your anesthesia and answer your questions to your satisfaction.  If not, request someone else.   [BTW, muscle relaxation is not a prerequisite for most breast surgeries.]