Did you know that most shoulder surgeries do not require general anesthesia? The majority of patients who undergo awake shoulder surgery find recovery easier and better than expected.
Not long ago, shoulder surgery was extremely painful and recovery proved to be difficult. Patients typically needed strong opioid medications to get through the painful recovery process. With today’s cutting-edge anesthesia techniques, patients can remain “awake” during surgery and enjoy a more manageable recovery.
Unlike general anesthesia, which induces a state of unconsciousness requiring a breathing tube and mechanical ventilator, the use of a nerve block (aka regional anesthesia) for shoulder surgery only numbs the arm. This allows the patient to continue to breathe comfortably on his/her own without the need for mechanical ventilation. The nerve block can last for 1-2 days, reducing the need for opioid painkillers. Using a nerve block instead of general anesthesia also dramatically reduces anesthesia-related risks and side effects.
Awake shoulder surgery is Dr. DiGiulio’s preferred anesthesia choice for all shoulder procedures, such as rotator cuff, AC joint, and instability/labrum repairs.
The many benefits of awake shoulder surgery can include:
- No general anesthesia risk
- Reduced need for opioids
- Reduced surgery time
- Faster recovery
- Less nausea and vomiting
- Less residual effects of anesthesia
- Lower risk of blood clots
If you have a shoulder injury that requires surgery, talk with Dr. DiGiulio about awake shoulder surgery to determine if it is right for you. He has seen the benefits of awake shoulder surgery firsthand. If you would like to find out more, call and schedule a consultation today!
Milan M. DiGiulio, M.D. offers comprehensive orthopedic care for you and your entire family, specializing in Sports Medicine and arthroscopic surgery of the shoulder and knee. Dr. DiGiulio performs over 200 arthroscopic shoulder and knee surgeries each year, using the most advanced surgical technology. Dr. DiGiulio is an advocate of non-invasive, non-surgical treatment options such as Physical Therapy and Orthobiologics.
