Lipschultz et al listed some reasons why general anesthesia may be used for a minor surgical or an endoscopic procedure. The authors are from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.
Reasons to consider the use of general anesthesia rather than local anesthesia with sedation:
(1) extremely anxious patient
(2) patient who experienced pain, awareness or other adverse effect during a previous sedation
(3) surgeon's preference
(4) relatively prolonged procedure (especially if >= 3 hours)
(5) extensive mobilization of tissues are required
General anesthesia may be associated with increased complications, especially in someone with comorbid conditions. The risk of complications needs to be included in the decision-making process.
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