expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Susan K. Palmer, MD

Anesthesiologist

Dr. Susan Palmer is an anesthesiologist practicing in Portland, OR. Dr. Palmer ensures the safety of patients who are about to undergo surgery. Anestesiologists 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. Palmer also might help manage pain after an operation.
51 years Experience
Dr. Susan K. Palmer, MD
  • Portland, OR
  • Univ of Wi Med Sch, Madison Wi
  • Accepting new patients

Do you get general anesthesia for a colon biopsy?

SOMETIMES. OR DEEP SEDATION. DEPENDS ON HOW LONG SURGEON BELIEVES IT WILL TAKE.

Do you get general anesthesia during tonsillectomy?

Yes, general anesthesia is almost always required for removal of tonsils. Throat and airway reflexes must be disabled for the surgeon to be able to remove the tonsils.

Will anesthesia affect the liver?

There are different types of general anesthetics. Some require metabolism in the liver or kidneys, others are excreted unchanged. If you have concerns about your liver, they READ MORE
There are different types of general anesthetics. Some require metabolism in the liver or kidneys, others are excreted unchanged. If you have concerns about your liver, they should be discussed with a physician anesthesiologist. Request a pre-surgical consult with a physician anesthesiologist.

How do you prepare a patient for anesthesia?

A physician anesthesiologist will evaluate your health and discuss choices (if there are any) of anesthesia for your planned surgery. The anesthesiologist can describe how you READ MORE
A physician anesthesiologist will evaluate your health and discuss choices (if there are any) of anesthesia for your planned surgery. The anesthesiologist can describe how you will feel during and after anesthesia care.

Is it okay to be sleepy after anesthesia?

Modern surgery and anesthesia are stressful and often disturb normal sleep cycles soe several days. Also, post-op pain medications can cause sleepiness.

What kind of anesthesia is used for colorectal surgery?

General endotrachael anesthesia is used for colon surgery. Ask for an anesthesia consultation so you can know exactly what to expect.

What kind of sedation is done for liver biopsy?

Usually only local anesthesia is used for a percutaneous biopsy of the liver. You must be awake and able to follow directions for the biopsy to be safe.

Can a hip replacement be done with an epidural?

Usually spinal or general anesthesia is used.

Can local anesthesia be used for inguinal hernia surgery?

Yes, but usually the surgeon must want to fo it that way.

Is general anesthesia better than epidural for back surgery?

Depends entirely on the planned type of back surgery. Ask for an anesthesiology cosultation to discuss this with a physician anesthesiologist.

Is spinal anesthesia used for hemorrhoidectomy?

Yes, spinal anesthesia is a good choice fot hemorrhoidectomy.

What type of anesthesia is used for toenail surgery?

Local anesthesia or nerve blocks are used for most toenail surgeries.

Can anesthesia cause diarrhea?

Not usually. Try OTC medications to stop your diarhea. Or call your surgeon's office for help.

Why is my blood pressure so high after general anesthesia?

It should not be high. See an internist to evaluate your blood pressure.

Does cyst removal require general anesthesia?

There are all kinds, sizes, and locations of cysts. So ask the surgeon planning the cyst removal what kind of anesthesia will be needed.

Do they put you to sleep for shoulder surgery?

Yes, usually. There are many types of shoulder surgery from simple "clean out" to major repairs, so you should ask for a consultation with a physician anesthesiologist because READ MORE
Yes, usually. There are many types of shoulder surgery from simple "clean out" to major repairs, so you should ask for a consultation with a physician anesthesiologist because they can tell whether or not any other type of anesthesia is appropriate.

What happens if you are allergic to anesthesia?

You need to have a consultation with a physician anesthesiologist. There are many types of general anesthetics for a physician to chose from. Please request a consultation weeks READ MORE
You need to have a consultation with a physician anesthesiologist. There are many types of general anesthetics for a physician to chose from. Please request a consultation weeks before your planned surgery.

How long does it take to feel normal after anesthesia?

The length of time it takes to feel "normal" after anesthesia and surgical stress depends mostly on the time spent under general anestesia. Post-operative pain medications can READ MORE
The length of time it takes to feel "normal" after anesthesia and surgical stress depends mostly on the time spent under general anestesia. Post-operative pain medications can make you feel abnormal for as long as you are taking them. If your symptoms are bothering you, you should ask for an anesthesiology consultation.