Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 6/25/2007

Question
I am pregnant, obese and have meralgia paresthetica.  3 years ago I delivered a baby boy via c-section.  I was not diagnosed witht he nerve problem at that time, however, I did have the symptoms.  My epidural failed (only numbing one side) which I believe was caused by the pinched nerve.  I am wondering what type of Anesthesia would be recommended.
Obviously I will be meeting with someone at the hospital to discuss my options, but I want to go in educated.

Answer
It's not necessarily contraindicated to do a regional anesthetic although most anesthesiologist will tend to stay away from them because of the medico-legal implications. I would guess they will recommend a general anesthetic (assuming you are going for a repeat c-section).

Ronald Levy, MD
Associate Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston