Anesthesia is often one of the bigger worries patients have before surgery and with MIS, there’s usually good news on this front too.
MIS bunion surgery can typically be performed under different types of anesthesia, depending on the patient’s case and preference:
- Local anesthesia with sedation: Numbing the foot while keeping the patient relaxed and comfortable
- Spinal (regional) anesthesia: Numbing from the waist down, with the patient awake or lightly sedated
- General anesthesia: Used in select cases, based on patient preference or specific medical considerations
Many patients are surprised to learn that general anesthesia isn’t always necessary for MIS. Because the procedure is minimally invasive, lighter forms of anesthesia are often sufficient which can also mean a smoother, quicker recovery from the anesthesia itself.
The right anesthesia approach depends on factors like the complexity of the case, the patient’s overall health, and personal comfort level. This is always discussed and decided together with the surgical and anesthesia team before the procedure.
Knowing that a “fully asleep, general anesthesia” experience isn’t always required can ease a lot of pre-surgery anxiety another reason MIS tends to feel like a much less intimidating experience overall.