Mexico vs. United States anesthesia?

Question

The surgeons I've liked in Mexico use an epidural, not general anesthesia compared to the United States. What is the difference in safety? Is there a reason they use it? Why don't American doctors use it?

Carmina Cardenas, MD · Answer

In my almost 18 years of practice I have used 99% of regional anesthesia. My anesthesiologists f 18 years of practice working shoulder to shoulder with me, has vast experience in this technique which needs a lot of experience and knowledge. 
The wonderful benefits I look for are: early recovery from anesthesia and never that buzz feeling. Never vomiting or nauseous. A 100% pain control after surgery. The chance to let the peridural catheter for postop pain control, and one of the most important: my patient is breathing on her own, so I do a super tight muscle repair with total safety because I know for fact the patient tolerance to the tightening. 
Dr. Cárdenas.

Robert M. Wald, Jr., MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Epidural anesthesia is used commonly in the United States. It really depends on the procedure being performed. The key is appropriate and complete nerve block. Both general and epidural anesthesia are safe. Please discuss this with your doctor if you are considering a procedure.

Thomas Trevisani, MD · Answer

The safest and most reliable method of anesthesia especially for a tummy tuck is General provided by a Board Certified Anesthesiologist. I am not a proponent of traveling outside of USA to obtain discounted cosmetic surgery due to multiple reasons. You can read our blog here

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

You don’t mention what surgery. Probably a tummy tuck? The main problem with surgery in Mexico is the costs you’re not considering. Travel to and from and hitel costs. What if you need to stay longer. What if there is an unresolved issue that takes longer than you plan to stay. What about revisions. Do you want to pay to fly back? It’s simply a bad idea from a logistical
standpoint.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Your safety is the number one priority in surgery.  General anesthesia is the safest way for a patient to undergo a successful tummy tuck yielding the best results.  When you are under general anesthesia your airway is controlled and monitored by the anesthesiologist the entire time you are in surgery and into recovery.  The anesthesia allows your entire body, including your abdominal muscles, to relax.  This allows the surgeon to optimize your tummy tuck results.  I encourage you to speak to your surgeon about anesthesia choice so that you can feel comfortable and confident as you make your surgical plan.

Robert Singer, MD · Answer

There are physicians in the U.S. that perform certain surgeries under epidural. The decision about what is the best anesthesia for any particular surgery depends on the surgeon's experience and preference. There are pros and cons about which type of anesthesia is best for any particular patient.

Having surgery at a reduced rate in a foreign country sounds appealing, but there are many concerns that you should consider. Generally, there is no preoperative direct discussion with the surgeon who is going to perform the surgery in order to establish any reasonable doctor/patient relationship. There are often language barriers that can interfere with your care. Even if your surgeon speaks English, the ancillary personnel like the nurses and the anesthesia provider who are involved in your care, may not. The quality of hospitals outside of the U.S. varies tremendously. Some are accredited and inspected, others are not. Even if the hospital has reasonable facilities and the surgeon has training, which may not be up to the quality of training of a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the quality of the nurses and others involved in your care may be very different from that in the United States. They may have little or no formal medical education, training or credentialing.
There is usually little follow-up care. In addition, the general sanitary conditions often increase the risk of infections, including some that are generally rare in this country.
There are major potential problems that may occur with traveling long distances just before and after surgery, like dehydration and fatigue, but more importantly complications including clots in the legs called deep venous thrombosis and clots to the lung which may be life threatening.
In most countries, if a problem develops, you will have little legal recourse and no ability to file a complaint either against the hospital or about the surgeon. If complications
develop after you return home, it may be difficult or impossible to obtain care from your local physicians. If problems do occur, the cost of subsequent care can be far greater than the reduced cost of the original surgery. While there are well-trained physicians in many other countries, I would suggest that you travel for pleasure or business and have your surgery closer to home.

Robert Singer, MD FACS

La Jolla, California

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

This is really an anesthesiology question not a plastic surgery question.

I think American anesthesiologist like using general anesthesia because it safe effective time efficient and consistent.

There are risks and benefits as well as disadvantages for both forms of anesthesia. It also depends on what procedure is being done.

Epidural anesthesia is only appropriate for certain procedures.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD

Andre Hazan, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Considering moderate to big surgery:There are no reason tonrefuse general anesthesia cause drug evaluated and Hospitals are stronger and with better infra-structure and pain sensors reducing and/or helping to reduce the anesthesia drugs dosis. And the recovery and safety are much better...if you have anafilaxy in a Peridural/ combined with ventral position on surgical be/ back liposuction... you will have higher risks Sometimes Peridural can be the better choice/ but on general anesthesia the anesthesiologist has more control of your lung/ breathe... and vein/ puncture for medicines.Would you accept to enter at ship without a commandant to drive your ship?You have to discuss with your Board certified Doctor/ you trust to chose the better way

Mexico vs. United States anesthesia?

Answers (8)

More Tummy Tuck Questions

How many times per day should I take Floidex, Hemaplex, Vitamin C and Folic Acid per day?

Can I get epidural injections for my sciatic nerve pain 32 days before my scheduled tummy tuck?

Does a TT help with urinary incontinence?

I have major scar tissue and bowel adhesions - can I still have TT?

Have I got internal fat? Would I get a flat tummy from a tummy tuck?

I have a BMI of 38 am I able to get liposuction and tummy tuck?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS