A member asked:

Could i have gall bladder removed with epidural instead of general anesthetic?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

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.

Answered 10/4/2015

4k views

Thank

Related Questions

A member asked:

How long does an epidural anesthetic last?

4 doctors weighed in across 2 answers