Decide with confidence
Is awake surgery right for me?
There is no single right answer. Scroll through the six factors your team considers.
Factor 1 of 6
Your procedure
Shorter, more contained procedures are more likely to suit local anesthesia. Longer or more extensive operations may be better with sedation or general anesthesia.
Factor 2 of 6
Your comfort and anxiety
Feeling curious and relaxed helps, but many nervous patients do well with light sedation. If the idea truly worries you, general anesthesia is a legitimate choice.
Factor 3 of 6
Your health
Some conditions make a particular approach safer or less suitable. Your anesthesiologist reviews your health history, medications and previous anesthetics.
Factor 4 of 6
Your anatomy
Body shape and tissue characteristics can influence how well numbing works and how long a procedure will take.
Factor 5 of 6
Your preferences
Some people want to be present and informed. Others want to remember nothing. Both are reasonable.
Factor 6 of 6
Flexibility on the day
An awake plan is not a promise. If comfort or safety needs change, your anesthesiologist can add sedation or arrange general anesthesia.
Scroll inside the panel to move between factors.