Spinal for Laparotomy

[Grandmere68]

Has anyone had spinal anesthesia for a laparotomy?  I was given a choice of spinal or general for my upcoming ovarian cyst open surgery?  I was surprised and uninformed.  Any experience?  I've never had a spinal before, have had general anesthesia several times.  I was told I would be kept asleep.  I would not want to be awake during the surgery.

Thanks!

[AliRae]

A spinal is different than an epidural. An epidural is a continuous feed of anesthetics thru a tube that remains inserted in your spine. A spinal block is where they just stick one injection in your spinal canal and it lasts for so many hours. You will feel nothing for a while after the surgery is done.I have had two C-sections and a removal of a 10 cm torsed cyst while I was 8 months pregnant - all using a spinal block. I have also had two other cysts removed under general. I HATE spinal blocks!! Maybe because I had two done just weeks a part, but I hate the feeling of the needle in your spine and it is weird when start regaining feeling in your legs. It's not pleasant. Whenever I am bent over and even my shirt brushes against my spine I get chills. I did not ever mind being awake and aware during the actual surgeries. You have the anesthesiologist and nurses right by your head, in case you need anything, and they will talk to you to distract you if you get nervous. General anesthesia is better. Count down from ten - get to eight and before you know it your waking up and it's over.

[Grandmere68]

Thanks!  This sounds consistent with what I was told.  Did you mean I will feel cold when I wake up?  I guess that beats feeling like you're on fire.  I really appreciate this board and the answers I am getting.  

Grandmere

[TrudieC]

When I had my cysts removed via laparotomy, they had planned to do a total hysterectomy and spinal anesthesia is common for hysterectomies.  I believe that standard anesthesia is used but is inserted through an epidural in your spine.  Afterwards this is left in place for a bit and your pain medications are fed through it.  They will keep close attention and continually test your freezing with cold.  I had an epidural with my son and this did feel differently.  I was numb and felt no pain but could still move and walk after the surgery.  You do stay totally out through the surgery.