expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Marc Morales

Anesthesiologist

Dr. Marc Morales is an anesthesiologist practicing in Phoenix, Arizona. Dr. Morales ensures the safety of patients who are about to undergo surgery. Anesthesiologists specialize in general anesthesia, which will (put the patient to sleep), sedation, which will calm the patient or make him or her unaware of the situation, and regional anesthesia, which just numbs a specific part of the body. As an anesthesiologist, Dr. Morales also might help manage pain after an operation. Dr. Morales is skilled in alternative pain management including acupuncture.
Dr. Marc Morales
Specializes in:
  • Anesthesia
  • Phoenix, Arizona
  • Universidad Tech Santiago
  • Accepting new patients

What should you not do before general anesthesia?

You will most likely meet with your anesthesia provider prior to general anesthesia. Depending on the procedure you are having and if taking any medications, you will be instructed READ MORE
You will most likely meet with your anesthesia provider prior to general anesthesia. Depending on the procedure you are having and if taking any medications, you will be instructed to not take anything by mouth for at least 8 hours prior to your procedure. Certain medications we would allow you take with a sip of water. As to what else you shouldn't do, rather vague, but use common sense, your activity isn't restricted, but try not to run a marathon :)

Which anesthesia is better for C section?

If it is a routine scheduled C-Section, then regional anesthesia via epidural block (catheter placed in your mid-lower back area to provide anesthesia) is the preferred method READ MORE
If it is a routine scheduled C-Section, then regional anesthesia via epidural block (catheter placed in your mid-lower back area to provide anesthesia) is the preferred method of anesthesia with mild sedation if necessary. This allows you to be awake, with no transfer to anesthetic agents to the baby.

Will there be certain surgeries without anesthesia due to covid-19?

While elective surgeries may be restricted or canceled, anesthesia and/or sedation depending on the type of surgery would not be withheld secondary to COVID 19 alone.

How is anesthesia different from a ventilator?

A ventilator is a device that assists someone who has a breathing tube placed to maintain proper oxygenation of their body. Anesthesia is speciality to provide relief of pain READ MORE
A ventilator is a device that assists someone who has a breathing tube placed to maintain proper oxygenation of their body.

Anesthesia is speciality to provide relief of pain and to help patients undergoing surgery to remain free of pain. As critical care specialists we work with patients who may be on a ventilator or place them on a ventilator if asked to or need to insert a breathing tube

Marc A Morales MD

What kind of anesthesia is used for a breast biopsy?

It would depend on the type of biopsy planned size and location of the mass, and whether a needle or open biopsy, and if the surgery is just limited to the biopsy. If a needle READ MORE
It would depend on the type of biopsy planned size and location of the mass, and whether a needle or open biopsy, and if the surgery is just limited to the biopsy. If a needle biopsy, then usually a local anesthetic can be used. If a larger mass or an open biopsy is required then usually general anesthesia may be utilized. The best idea is to speak with your surgeon what exactly will be done, and what anesthesia he is planning to do.

Will my son feel nauseous after anesthesia?

Generally, not most of the nausea came from use of gaseous anesthetics or narcotics doses. Generally, we predose the person with anti-nausea medicine and we would use IV anesthetic READ MORE
Generally, not most of the nausea came from use of gaseous anesthetics or narcotics doses. Generally, we predose the person with anti-nausea medicine and we would use IV anesthetic agents for the procedure, which should not cause much if any nausea.

Is general anesthesia safe for a C-section?

Yes, it's one option. Typically, if an epidural is in place, some sedation and epidural will work. If general anesthesia is used, please make sure to meet with you anesthesiologist READ MORE
Yes, it's one option. Typically, if an epidural is in place, some sedation and epidural will work. If general anesthesia is used, please make sure to meet with you anesthesiologist to review the plan and answer any questions. It is a well choreographed team approach to C -Section from anesthesia, OB-GYN surgeon, newborn nursing staff and if warranted pediatrician or neonatologist present at birth. The team approach reduces risk and improves outcomes.

What kind of anesthesia is used for teenagers?

The anesthesia would be same for adult and is based on procedure and how many wisdom are being removed... most oral surgeons do the surgery with a combination of IV sedation with READ MORE
The anesthesia would be same for adult and is based on procedure and how many wisdom are being removed... most oral surgeons do the surgery with a combination of IV sedation with local sedation


Marc A Morales MD

Can a spinal injection cause nerve damage?

It is not clear what type of spinal injection you had. Most injections for pain management such as Epidural steroid or others are generally done under fluroscopic guidance, which READ MORE
It is not clear what type of spinal injection you had. Most injections for pain management such as Epidural steroid or others are generally done under fluroscopic guidance, which should prevent injury to the nerve, however, it is a possible complication of "spinal injections" in general.

Are you awake during regional anesthesia?

Yes, you are typically awake during regional, however, often we use sedation to allow you to relax, which makes the entire procedure more comfortable and tolerable for the patient. READ MORE
Yes, you are typically awake during regional, however, often we use sedation to allow you to relax, which makes the entire procedure more comfortable and tolerable for the patient.

Do you have to be intubated for general anesthesia?

In most cases, yes, but it depends on the type of surgery being performed, the length of time, past airway issues, general health, and other factors. The surgeon should plan a READ MORE
In most cases, yes, but it depends on the type of surgery being performed, the length of time, past airway issues, general health, and other factors. The surgeon should plan a visit for you with the anesthesiologist to answer those questions for you.

How long do the effects of general anesthesia last?

This depends on her general health, and medical condition(s), Generally the anesthesiologist will meet with her and go over medical history and general health and device an anesthesia READ MORE
This depends on her general health, and medical condition(s), Generally the anesthesiologist will meet with her and go over medical history and general health and device an anesthesia plan that will minimize any side effects. Generally anesthesia side effects are short-lived, and drowsiness, and nausea depending on the agents can be controlled

What are the long-term side effects of anesthesia after surgery?

There generally are no long-term side effects from general anesthesia. Most agents that are used are relative short acting and will provide anesthesia for the duration of the procedure READ MORE
There generally are no long-term side effects from general anesthesia. Most agents that are used are relative short acting and will provide anesthesia for the duration of the procedure you are having. Some people may have nausea, and be sleepy post the procedure, but this is short-lived. You should be meeting with your anesthesiologist prior to your procedure and go over the plan and any anticipated side effects.

What type of anesthesia is used for herniated disc surgery?

Most anesthesia for a herniated disc whether in the cervical or lumbar region is typically general anesthesia if having a fusion or other complex procedures. This may differ with READ MORE
Most anesthesia for a herniated disc whether in the cervical or lumbar region is typically general anesthesia if having a fusion or other complex procedures. This may differ with some type of less invasive procedures, so check with your surgeon and anesthesiologist so that you have a good plan for the surgery anticipated.

Can local anesthesia make you sleepy?

Typically, local anesthesia should not make you sleepy. In some dental cases, they may provide sedation, however that should have been explained to you and you would have to be READ MORE
Typically, local anesthesia should not make you sleepy. In some dental cases, they may provide sedation, however that should have been explained to you and you would have to be driven home from the appointment. If local anesthetic was given alone, you typically would not see this reaction.

How long does it take for sedation to wear off?

Typically, oral or IV sedation is used along with local anesthesia. Most wear off rather quickly, but we generally ask that patients not drive after the procedure due to sedative READ MORE
Typically, oral or IV sedation is used along with local anesthesia. Most wear off rather quickly, but we generally ask that patients not drive after the procedure due to sedative effects. You many experience some sleepiness for a couple of hours after the procedure, but at the most 4-6 hours after the procedure all the effects should be out of your system if you are otherwise in good health.

What type of anesthesia is used for cataract surgery?

Generally, local topical eye anesthesia and a mild sedative agent to relax and sedate you is generally all that is needed, and a very safe way to provide anesthesia for this procedure. READ MORE
Generally, local topical eye anesthesia and a mild sedative agent to relax and sedate you is generally all that is needed, and a very safe way to provide anesthesia for this procedure.

What kind of anesthesia is used for hand surgery?

It depends on what type of surgery you are having. Often, a local nerve block(s) or regional nerve block may provide anesthesia to the area being operated on and only minor sedation READ MORE
It depends on what type of surgery you are having. Often, a local nerve block(s) or regional nerve block may provide anesthesia to the area being operated on and only minor sedation needs to be used while you are in the OR. A longer or more extensive surgery may require general anesthesia. Please ask your surgeon what the plan is and if you could speak with your anesthesiologist prior to your procedure so that all of your questions can be answered.

Do I need to meet with an anesthesiologist before my surgery?

Yes, it is typical to meet with an anesthesiologist prior to your procedure. This may happen before or the day of the surgery depending on what type of surgery they are doing, READ MORE
Yes, it is typical to meet with an anesthesiologist prior to your procedure. This may happen before or the day of the surgery depending on what type of surgery they are doing, your general health, and what anesthesia is planned. This will allow you time to ask any specific questions you may have about the general anesthesia, what risks are there with general anesthesia, if alternative anesthesia may be appropriate. The anesthesiologist will ask you about your past experiences, if any, you may have had with anesthesia, ask general medical questions, perform a physical assessment, and go over the anesthetic plan.

What are the long-term side effects of general anesthesia?

Typically, if you are in good health, there are no long-term effects to anesthesia. Most are very short term and limited to sedation, and at times some nausea, which, if needed, READ MORE
Typically, if you are in good health, there are no long-term effects to anesthesia. Most are very short term and limited to sedation, and at times some nausea, which, if needed, can be controlled with medication. If you have any particular concerns, please check with your anesthesiologist prior to your procedure.