Expert: Dr Ian Jackson - please note UK based - 1/11/2007

Question
my wife has sarcoid of the lungs. bronciactus. and extrinsic allergic alviolitis. one lung works at 50% the other at 33%. can they do the operationwith spinal sedation. we live in the uk.
         many thanks.tommy

Answer
Hi there Tommy
I am sorry to hear about your wife's problems. The important thing is for you to ask to meet your wife's anaesthetist so you can chat through her problems and discuss the risks involved. It is difficult to state what would be best for your wife without seeing you and asking quite a few questions.
However modern anaesthesia is very good and the procedure (removal of gall bladder) can now be done through a telescope (laparoscopic cholecystectomy). This is all good for your wife. It would be extremely difficult to do this procedure under a spinal anaesthetic (though not impossible) - however a well judged general anaesthetic can in many ways be much safer.
I hope all goes well.
Dr Ian Jackson