A 32-year-old member asked:
Could i have gall bladder removed with epidural instead of general anesthetic?
1 doctor answer • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Cheryl Orranswered
25 years experience
Possible, not likely: Most gallbladder surgeries are done with laparascopy now. That requires filling the abdomen with air. Epidurals provide good pain relief for lower abdomen surgeries, less so in upper abdomen and with the air. Also, the air/position/working in upper abdomen makes it hard to breath and people have a harder time getting oxygen. Patients and surgeons find this dangerous and not good for gb surgery.
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4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Oct 4, 2015
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