Excisional Biopsy-Local (MAC) or General Anesthesia

Anonymous

Excisional Biopsy-Local (MAC) or General Anesthesia

adw7374

I am considered high risk due to family history and am having a radial scar removed in a few weeks that was recently found with a new cluster of calcifications. I sought out 2 different opinions and feel great about the surgeon I chose (for a variety of reasons).

However, she wants to do it under general and the other doctor I saw was fine doing it more local (MAC). I just wondered what the norm was for an excisional biopsy. I've had general before and typically am really sick after. (even with a patch). I also am having this done right in the middle of a very busy work week where I have to be back up and moving within about 36 hours.

Just wanted to get other opinions.

MelissaDallas

I had mine under general at an outpatient surgical center, but I don't think "general" necessarily means what it used to.. I was in and out and homein a couple of hours, and not sick.

doxie

I had a general for my excisional biopsy. I would think twilight might work. I had a port put in with that and it was a much more invasive procedure. I could tell what the surgeon was doing but was drifting into pleasant thoughts of leaves in a breeze dappled with light. Came out of it with few issues both times.

Tappermom383

I had my first excisional biopsy in my early 20s, followed by three more over the next 35 years. I had both local and general anesthesia. The primary difference was my level of pain afterwards. It makes sense that when you're under general, you're relaxed and so there is less pain. For the ones I had done under local, I was in much more pain.

Re: nausea and vomiting after general. I was sick every single time I had general...until my lumpectomy on March 31. I had a very firm discussion with the anesthesiologist. He offered a scopolamine patch but it had given me hallucinations years ago. He made up a cocktail for me that included decadron and Zofran - miraculous! I woke up with a completely calm stomach. Doesn't work for some but it sure did for me!

Twilight sleep is another thought - I'm a huge fan of Versed, which also has an amnesia factor.

Best of luck to you.

MJ

adw7374

Thanks so much for the replies. I believe it would be Twilight Sleep (They called it Mac). Talking to Anethesia tomorrow, so hopfully will get more information.

Anonymous

I did twilight sleep for a surgical biopsy and will do it again this week for lumpectomy and SNB. I slept the whole time and prefer to be asleep now that I've done it that way. I have had so many procedures and tests on the breast, for me there's like a cumulative stress to go through these. If being asleep is an option i will always take it from now on.

I asked the surgery center what this twilight mix was. They said propofol and fentanyl. Hardly any breast pain after, I did have headaches and a little dizziness for a couple day

adw7374

When you guys say Twilight, you don't mean general with breathing tube, correct?

Thanks again.