Question about general anesthesia

[Bluegirl52]

Has anyone had any experience with general anesthesia with well compensated cirrhosis. My tricuspid valve in my heart has caused my cirrhosis and I may be able to get a device to correct the valve and stop any further damage to my liver. It’s done via a catheter through my groin up to the heart. The procedure takes 3-4 hours. Thanks.

[nash2 Partner]

Hi Blue

I've had anesthesia twice with cirrhosis and the docs didn't seem concerned but at the time I didn't know enough to ask the question and don't know what their considerations were. The liver probably has to process those chemicals and liver disease patients are considered high risk. An anesthesiologist at a transplant clinic may be the best resource. Perhaps someone here has better information but here is a link to a medical discussion. Ask plenty of questions and be sure your team is planning to deal with the altered chemistry you present as a liver patient.

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/250...

Wayne

[Etchasketchman]

At the time, I did not know I had cirrhosis and pre surgical labs were ok. Got a mechanical mitral valve installed and came out okay. No more labored breathing and felt so much better. Went back to work after 4 weeks, the exception not the rule. 8 to 10 weeks would have been better.