Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 9/15/2007

Question
Hi!! I was wondering if you could give me the anesthetic options for a D&C and their risks/benefits...or a place I could go to for more information. Thanks a bunch!

Answer
Basically there are 2 options, a spinal or general anesthesia. The pros for a spinal is that you are awake (but sedated), you have no pain, no sore throat, minimal risk of lost airway, good pain relief post op. Cons: It may take several hours to wear off, it might not work (rare), you are awake. For general...pros: You are asleep so don't know what's happening, it always works...cons: risk of lost airway, may feel nauseous or groggy post-op, sore throat.

Generally, we do these under spinal but both methods are acceptable.

Ronald Levy, MD
Associate Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston