Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 11/22/2006

Question
Hi,

I'm an opera singer with a large, intramural fibroid that needs to be removed via an open abdominal incision (I still want children).  I had a surgeon and anesthetist that were willing to give epidural only a try - knowing that I may need general halfway through if I can feel to much.  Now my surgeon has gotten sick, and I can't find another one willing to give epidural only a try!  Any ideas on how to find another one?  My vocal cords are my living.

Thanks!

Answer
Most surgeons should not have a problem doing it under epidural (we do c-sections that way). The other option (if you are a candidate) is to use an LMA. Your anesthesiologist will determine if this is an option.

Hope this helps,

Ronald Levy, MD
Associate Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston