A member asked:

If someone is diabetic and needs a toe amputation due to gangrene, is the doctor suppose to use general anesthesia?

15 doctors weighed in across 6 answers

Not necessarily: Often, the foot of a diabetic patient has very little sensation. The anesthesiologist will evaluate the patient to see how much pain medication will be required. Sometimes, the surgeon can simply inject some local anesthesia into the foot or around the ankle, and the anesthesiologist can give some medication to help the patient relax and relieve pain. General anesthesia is usually not needed.

Answered 5/17/2012

5.9k views

Thank

Not always: Anesthesia it determined in part by the patients health and by choice of the surgeon and anesthesia department to determine what isbest.

Answered 7/22/2012

5.9k views

Thank

Depends: The patients overall health status needs to be assess to see what the best anesthetic plan will be. An amputation can be done under general anesthesia or regional anesthesia with or without sedation, .

Answered 11/8/2015

5.7k views

Thank

Not neccesarilyNot: If the patient suffers from neuropathy, they may not require any anesthesia. Local anesthesia could be sufficient as well. General is certainly not mandatory.

Answered 4/7/2013

5.7k views

Thank
Dr. Richard Pollard answered

Specializes in Anesthesiology

Not necessarily: This operation can be done with a regional anesthetic. Talk to your anesthesiologist and find out what is best for that patient.

Answered 4/24/2015

5.2k views

Thank
Dr. Payam Rafat answered

Specializes in Podiatry

No: General anesthesia is not required to perform a digital amputation.

Answered 9/12/2013

5.2k views

Thank

Related Questions

A member asked:

What happens if a type 2 diabetic with gangrene refuses amputation?

9 doctors weighed in across 4 answers