Unable to be put under general sedation. need lumpectomy, can a spinal block be used for breast surgery (along with sedation)?

No: Spinal anesthesia is used for surgery on the lower abdomen (such as a c-section) or on the legs. It causes profound numbness, and can't be given at a high level such as the breasts or it would interfere with breathing. Any patient can be safe under general anesthesia with the right precautions. Meet with the anesthesiologist ahead of time to discuss any unusual health issues and plan for them.

I hope I am not: To late to suggest local anesthesia to permit the lumpectomy/tylectomy/partial mastectomy. It sounds as if your breathing is the issue. Depending on size and location, local anesthetics can allow a relatively painless removal of the lump, and determine the margins. Once gone, partial breast irradaition may be an option. The type of cancer and margins are critical. I wish you well with this.

Not safe: Lumpectomy of the breast can be completed with local, regional block and IV sedation. The type of anesthesia depends on the location of the nodule or depth from the skin surface. Tumescent anesthesia techniques that are used in tumescent liposuction are very effective for deeper lesions. Spinal blocks are used for surgical procedures below the level of the respiratory muscles-abdomen, pelvis.

Yes, sort of.: But i would not recommend it. In europe they do cardiac bypass surgery with thoracic epidural blocks. In your case it would be overkill. Local with sedation (either light or deep sedation). Find a surgeon who prefers to do these surgeries using this method and it should go very well.