General Anaesthetic

[Sydney04]

Hi - I have major surgery next month (not related to my liver) and the consultant wants to administer a general anaesthetic. I haven't got a problem with that however I've had advice from another consultant that a GA will put extra strain on my liver and I should have an epidural instead.

Has anyone had a GA and were they pre warned about any possible damage to the liver? 🤔

[Hidden]

I would discuss this with the consultant who wants to administer the general anaesthetic, ask him why? All surgical procedures come with an element of risk and all options should be discussed. You have made a wise decision to seek an alternative opinion.

[Sydney04 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks snoutie, I had an epidural for the first operation (which went wrong), this operation is very similar so I can't personally see the need for a GA. I will ask him why he feels this is necessary as it has been decided without discussing it with me first!

[Hidden in reply to Sydney04]

Interesting but remember that the procedure needs your signature to go ahead.

[mncold]

Hi Sydney04,

I would call the consultant back and make sure he is aware of your liver disease and see why he wants a general. Then discuss your concerns with him or at least let them know before it gets too close to the surgery date.

Best wishes,

Mary

[Sydney04 in reply to mncold]

Thanks Mary, my operation is with trauma & orthopaedic and I did make the consultant aware of the situation with my liver and he said it wasn't a problem. I'm definitely going to say this again and speak to liver consultant as I don't want to take any chances! X

[Brett11]

I’ve had a few general anaesthetic operations but they have only been because of emergencies. Generally it’s bad for your liver and your liver could become decompensated. I always ask that my liver doctor be consulted before any operation. Cheers,

Brett

[Sydney04 in reply to Brett11]

Thanks Brett, I'd read that as well about possibly going from compensated to decompansated - I'd be distraught if that happened. I don't think they have spoken to the liver consultant, they decided it without me and when I've queried it I was told it wasn't a problem. I'll see if my liver consultant shares this view I somehow imagine he won't.

[Brett11 in reply to Sydney04]

As long as everyone is aware of everything, it should be fine.

[Sydney04]

Thanks, it better go to plan they were negligent last time and I ended up without a hip! This ones to replace it and I'm only 38!

[Hidden]

Hi

I agree with what everyone else has said. Yes, you need to clarify everything

You obviously want no errors this time!! Take care Lynne