Risk Of General Anesthetic with COPD For BA- What About Local?

Hello, I have C.O.P.D diagnosed 4 years ago and wish to have breast augmentation. I have read that with low lung function general anesthetic is not safe and most surgeons would not do the operation? Would I be best to have it done under local? I am looking at Thailand to have it done.

Additional Information Added 11/17/11

I would just like to clarify a couple of things. I do not have a pulmonologist as I have never needed one, nor have I been hospitalised or been to the Dr's for anything related to this disease. I don't get shortness of breath unless I am doing something very stressful and I am able to walk 5 klm with no problem. I get seasonal Asthma which is controlled using a Ventolin spray. I value your opinions so Thankyou. Any other imput would be appreciated.

Additional Information Added 11/20/11

Well here I am again to say thankyou to those of you who agreed with my surgery. I just would like to inform you that I had a lung function test today and it showed 87% so that goes to show you just how healthy I am and my heart too for that matter. I may have a 'tag' as it was called but thats fine. I have been in contact with a surgeon who believes in me from the UK and that is where I will go and spend my money. I will see my dad in the process so it will be all good. Thankyou for your time.

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8 Doctor Answers | Asked by dusy in rochester in Melbourne, 07

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Medical clearance before plastic surgery

You are asking for a green light to have cosmetic surgery in a country far from home presumably because it is cheaper than the price at home in the face of a respiratory impairment that is not clearly described. No one in their right mind would give you that greenlight based solely on the information in your post. You describe reversible (asthma) and irreversible (COPD) lung disease which can exist together. This is a tricky situation because even if the lung function tests are normal... more

Breast Augmentation with diminished lung function

Hi there- Given the additional information you have provided (thanks), it would seem that your lung function is better than might have been assumed. In any case, it would be a good idea to have your lung function actually evaluated, so that the procedure might be made as safe as possible for you. Remember- this is elective surgery that we're talking about... it doesn't make any sense to take even the slightest unnecessary risk. With regard to local anesthesia, I... more

Copd and breast augmentation

The diagnosis of COPD is not a measure of your available lung function, it's a label. Before considering a GA I suggest talk with your GP and obtain a referral for lung function tests. If you are only mildly compromised then a GA will be fine, if you lungs are severely damaged then you are at risk of death if a GA is undertaken and it would be a mistake to consider it. There are several causes of death through anaesthesia in the context of COPD.... respiratory failure, lung... more

Anesthesia risk for patient with COPD

Breast reduction should not be performed under local anesthesia. If you have COPD, I would encourage you to discuss any prospective surgery plans with your treating pulmonologist. When medical tourism to a country which may not have the same high standards is involved, it is imperative that you disclose the condition to your prospective surgeon and that you not risk surgery unless and until your pulmonologist clears you to do so. You should have current, stable pulmonary function studies... more

Risk of Breast Augmentation with COPD

Breast Augmentation can be done under local anesthesia with sedation(not local alone) or with general anesthesia. It would be in your best interest to consult with your primary care doctor and a pulmonologist to determine your lung function to see if the procedure would be safe. You should be cleared for general anesthesia even if local with sedational anesthesia is planned. Lastly, travel outside of the country for the surgery would most likely be even more risky... more

Breast Augmentation and COPD

I would recommend that you consult with your pulmonologist to determine whether or not you are a good candidate for surgery. Recent pulmonary function testing should be part of your evaluation. If your COPD is severe, respiratory problems can still occur with the procedure being done under local anesthesia. In addition, postoperative pain can diminish your respiratory function if your COPD is severe. I would be very nervous about going overseas to have the... more

Donald Griffin, MD

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Nashville Plastic Surgeon

Breast Augmentation and COPD

While breast augmentation can be done under local anesthetic (if placing the implants above the muscle), it is always better to consider safety and potential breathing issues in case deeper sedation is needed. This really needs to be discussed with your primary care doctor and your surgeon - there severity of your COPD needs to be considered. Going outside the country is not a good idea since you may not have much support if problems occur.

Breast Augmentation with COPD

Thank you for the question. It will be very simple to determine whether you should consider breast augmentation or not. Have your pulmonologist do formal pulmonary function tests. If he/she determines that the results of the testing will allow you to have a general anesthetic safely then you should consider the operation. In general, it is best to enter the operating room only if you are a good candidate for general anesthesia; even if the procedure is... more