Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 8/8/2007

Question
I need to have surgery to replace cartilage between my thumb and wrist.  I have a bad Aortic valve, Left ventricle Hypertrophy and Atrial Fibrillation.  My cardiologist says general anesthesia is too risky.  The surgeon is talking about MAC.  Is this also risky?  I also have a torn rotator cuff, can they use MAC for that too?

Answer
For the hand surgery we can definitely do it under local, regional or MAC. The shoulder surgery, however, will need a general anesthetic. While you are certainly at risk for complications, you are not necessarily contraindicated for general. You will need a thorough preop evaluation by the anesthesiologist and they will develop a plan that is best for you.

Good Luck,

Ronald Levy, MD
Associate Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston