Cirrhosis and surgery

[Moonsts]

I have some cirrhosis, not sure yet how bad.

But I've also had several bouts of diverticulitis over the years. So I spoke with a surgeon about at what point do you do surgery for it. I'm having a colonoscopy this coming Monday (4 days.)

When I told the surgeon I knew I had at least mild cirrhosis with NASH, she said she would not do any surgery without approval and a letter from my liver doctor. That there was too much risk if bleeding and maybe something else.

Has anyone ever heard of this, is it normal, and should I be concerned?

[nash2 Partner]

Normal caution. Liver disease often results in low platelet counts which increase bleeding risk and your ability to detox the anesthetic may be compromised so good practice is to make sure the liver doc is on board with any invasive procedure.

[Moonsts in reply to nash2]

Thank you for such a quick response!

I suppose I'll need to tell them about this when I have my colonoscopy too. I understand they use propofol for the anesthesia.

Scary thing, several years ago I had an upper endoscopy using propofol. I stopped breathing and they had to intubate me. It scared my doctors as well as me and my husband.

I ended up with an injury from it and developed an abscess in my throat. Now I have a sort of cavity where the abscess was.

At the time, we had no idea I had NASH or hepc.

I wonder if it was my liver not processing the propofol that caused the issue.

[nash2 Partner in reply to Moonsts]

Anesthesia has risks like that. Can't guess whether that may have been the cause but for sure make certain your anesthesiologist knows about your history. Propofol is pretty safe unless you happen to be allergic to it.

[one2one]

You shouldn’t have to worry, though we all do 😬. but they should be very aware of your situation , and obviously their plans of action they will need to have in place specifically for your needs. But yes you should discuss your own issues , feelings, and thoughts regarding your procedure with the Drs and anaesthetist directly prior to your procedure, which should give you reassurance . I’m sure it will all go a lot better than your anticipating at this present moment 👌😘. Chrissie xx