Why Do We Prefer Spinal Anesthesia in Our Surgeries?

In reconstructive surgeries that last for long hours, such as Peyronie's surgery, general anesthesia can become a necessity rather than a preference. However, general anesthesia is not the only method we can apply in our surgeries. In the detailed consultations we hold with our patients before our operations, we provide information regarding the pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative processes.

By evaluating general health conditions, we can make the anesthesia decision together according to the type of operation. In selected patients, we can prefer spinal anesthesia by evaluating the patient's expectations and general health status, and of course, in line with the nature of the operation to be performed. In this blog post, I will provide information about spinal anesthesia and try to answer the most curious questions. I wish you pleasant reading.

What is Spinal Anesthesia? What is the Main Difference?

Spinal anesthesia, also referred to as a spinal block, is a type of anesthesia administered by injecting medication into the subarachnoid space located near the spinal cord. Spinal anesthesia, which can be preferred as an alternative to general anesthesia, can be used in many operations performed in the region below the waist.

When substances with local anesthetic effects are injected into the subarachnoid space, the nerves in the patients' abdomen, hips, buttocks, and leg regions become numb. Since the nerves are completely numb, no pain or ache is felt during the operation.

The fundamental difference between spinal anesthesia and general anesthesia is that the patient is conscious in spinal anesthesia. Since the patient does not sleep during the operation, they can interact with the surgeon, talk, listen to music, and experience a process with high awareness as well as comfort, thanks to not feeling pain.

What Are the Advantages of Spinal Anesthesia?

The type of anesthesia varies according to the patient's needs, general health status, expectations, and the type of operation. Nevertheless, it is accepted that spinal anesthesia has certain advantages over general anesthesia. The advantages of spinal anesthesia can be listed as follows:

• Faster post-operative recovery.

• Allowing for the use of painkillers immediately after surgery (or providing continued pain relief).

• Less need for strong painkillers (opioids).

• Minimal side effects such as nausea and vomiting.

• Lower risk of lung infection (pulmonary complications).

In Which Surgeries Do We Prefer Spinal Anesthesia?

As I mentioned before, spinal anesthesia can be preferred in many operations performed in the lower body. The important thing is to correctly determine the patient's expectations and suitability.

We frequently apply spinal anesthesia to our patients during penis enlargement surgery (where we both lengthen and thicken the penis), venous insufficiency surgery, and microsurgical varicocele surgery. Some of our patients may prefer general anesthesia in these operations. In this case, if their general health status is suitable, we can also use general anesthesia.

Aside from all the advantages it offers, it would not be correct to say that spinal anesthesia carries no risk of complications.

• One of the common side effects of spinal anesthesia is lowering blood pressure (hypotension). Depending on the drop in blood pressure, patients may feel tired or faint.

• Another side effect is difficulty urinating or inability to control urine (urinary retention). These complications are expected to disappear once the anesthesia effect wears off completely.