Hi All,
I have a complicated wisdom tooth extraction which can only be done under general anaesthetic. The dental hospital doctor seemed concerned about the AF even though I’ve been discharged from cardiology and taking no meds for it now. But I take meds for Rheumatoid Arthritis. What are people’s experience of paroxysmal AF and general anaesthetic for surgery.
This is my first post on the site. Diagnosed Oct 2022. thanks.
I think you will find that the anaesthetists will err on the side of caution, and rightly so.
. Prior to my hip replacement last year my operation was delayed as the anaesthetist wanted me to have a review and echo with a cardiologist first with instructions given to procedure should I flip into AF mid op.
I had knee replacement under GA, however, at the time I was on a party bag of meds and my paroxysmal AF was highly controlled. No problems at all even though I am a Warfarin user.
interesting
When I had my hernia operation they insisted the operation was carried out at the hospital which had a cardiac unit.
Having said that I have had numerous ablations the Hernia operation and micro surgery on my hand all under GA with no issues.
Pete
thank you
Two spine surgeries and 2 ablations with GA! All good 👍. Best wishes !
I don't know if my hospital were remiss or not but it never got a mention!! I had major surgery.....& was chucked out after a day. No one seemed bothered. My consultant just said at the time because if my health they'd keep me in overnight. I have P-Afib, pretty controlled on meds. The Cardiology team were based in the other hospital in my city, not where I had my op. Even at preoperative stage they didn't seem bothered......just told me to stop the anticoagulant 24hrs before op.
thank you
Never had trouble with novacaines so far...local. anesthesia.
hi Gilly
Just make sure your anaesthetist is fully aware of your Afib and your meds and then explains what he intends to use . You should really have a cardio check before your anaesthesia
I had knee surgery last September and had no problems at all, so hopefully all will go well for you.
thank you
In the past 6 months I have had two surgical procedures carried out under GA. I have PAF controlled by medication, but the only precaution taken was to stop my anti-coagulant (warfarin) for 5 days before the operations. All satisfactory with no issues.........
Are you having a pre assessment visit? This will be picked up and discussed then as they go through medical history, medication, check your B/P etc.
I have completed pre assessment forms which the doctor looked at at the appointment and that was when she became aware of the AF. I have another appointment with her in a few weeks.
Sounds as if they are taking good care of you! I also had a chat with the anaesthetist before my gall bladder op regarding my tachycardia, ectopic beats and sensitive larynx and he was able to explain how he would manage it all. It completely put my mind at rest and he came to see me post op to say that all went well!!
Hi. I've got PAF and have had 2 hip replacements, a radical prostatectomy and a urethrotomy, all under general anaesthetic, and without problems. The urologist who removed my prostate insisted on clearance from a cardiologist, which was duly given. Obviously, I was unconscious during the ops but I'm sure they would have told me if I'd flipped into AF. I take Flecainide and, at the time of the ops, Bisolprolol but no anticoagulant. I was advised to keep taking my tablets throughout (I can't remember if that included the time immediately pre-op, when nothing but water is allowed). Good luck with yours.
Hi Gilly , not a GA but I had a 2 hour root filling, the lady dentist says she has had AF patients before and always makes sure she is using an anaesthetic that doesn't contain adrenaline which can be a problem for AFers.
I’ve just had a knee replacement but for my own peace of mind beforehand I paid for an echocardiogram and saw my cardiologist who had no concerns. She did say however that it wouldn’t pick up any AF - I think that’s where ECGs come in. I ended up having a general anaesthetic as the spinal block failed, but I know my heart was monitored during the op as they left one of the contacts on me! I’m sure as has already been said, the anaesthetist will err on the side of caution and they are so well trained I’m sure you will be fine.
I recently had two of my wisdom teeth removed. My dentist recommended general anesthesia for that procedure because one was considerably more involved than the other, which required local anesthesia. In my situation, general anesthesia was risk-free because I was in good health. Yet in a similar circumstance, my friend, who has heart disease, underwent wisdom teeth extraction(downtownsleepdentistry.com/..., and in that case, his anesthesia was administered by a professional anesthesiologist who kept a close eye on his health. If you are afraid, contact your heart doctor and make an informed decision.
Paroxysmal AF - but a long episode.
Fish oil for paroxysmal AF
Short general anaesthetic 
Paroxysmal AF symptoms 
Cardioversion for paroxysmal af?
