Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 12/4/2006

Question
Hi!
I just scheduled an appointment to have a few (3-4) moles removed. (Unfortunately, melanoma runs in our family.)
I am newly pregnant, and never thought to ask about what types of anesthesia would be used, or if this procedure would be safe during pregnancy.

Do you know what type of local anesthesia is generally used to remove moles? Are there any anesthetics I should be sure my doctor doesn't use?
I'm newly pregnant, and because of the risk in my family, I would rather not wait 8+ months to have these moles removed. However, in your professional opinion, is it better I wait until after I give birth?
Thank you you for your time and expertise.

Regards,
Melanie

Answer
There is no problem with local anesthesia, so anything they use should be fine. Usually the only problem with these local cases is if they also give you sedation. Here I would recommend not to have any, because some sedatives are not good during pregnancy. There is no reason to wait until after delivery (especially if you have a family history). Obviously let the surgeon know you are pregnant.

Good Luck,

Ronald Levy, MD
Associate Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston