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Jillmam's avatar
Jillmam
Member
6 years ago

Anaesthetic for lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy

Hi all,

Just wondering if anyone has experience of local or regional anaesthesia for wide local excision and sentinel node biopsy? I have invasive lobular which on core biopsy was(is) triple positive, grade 2, less than 2 cm, no nodes involved macroscopically. I have read of various advantages of local/regional, but local medical service refuses to consider this kind of anaesthesia.
  • Thanks @suburbangirl, unfortunately for me I will only meet the anaesthetist and surgeon immediately prior to surgery but their reps at the hospital have said no. My main concerns (apart from metastases/recurrence - low level of evidence though) is potential damage to my crowns, veneers, etc (result of a recent accident, and not keen to have to do repairs). I’ve read case studies where most of those who had local were either very satisfied or satisfied, with few being unsatisfied, but will have to go along with what is offered🤔
  • Hi @Jillmam, I had a general anaesthetic for my procedures, and under the circumstances was grateful. This is something you would need to discuss with your surgeon and anaesthetist, especially if you have health diagnoses that may mean one is preferred over the other. (I understand local or regional anaesthetics can sometimes be patchy, and not give the best result.) 
    Best wishes to you!