expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Deborah Cahill, MD

Anesthesiologist

Dr. Deborah Cahill is an anesthesiologist practicing in Providence, RI. Dr. Cahill 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. Cahill also might help manage pain after an operation.
44 years Experience
Dr. Deborah Cahill, MD
  • Providence, RI
  • University of Massachusetts
  • Accepting new patients

Is local anesthesia for hand surgery safe?

Local anesthesia is absolutely safe for hand surgery.  Depending on the type of surgery you're having you may get local at the site or a nerve block further up the arm or shoulder READ MORE
Local anesthesia is absolutely safe for hand surgery.  Depending on the type of surgery you're having you may get local at the site or a nerve block further up the arm or shoulder to completely cover the area of the surgery. You will probably also get some iv anesthesia to keep you relaxed but it is all safe.

Can nasal polyps be removed under local anesthetic?

I wouldn’t recommend it. Most polyps are deep into the nasal cavity/sinuses and can bleed a fair amount. It’s not the removing as much as getting to them and dealing with bleeding. READ MORE
I wouldn’t recommend it. Most polyps are deep into the nasal cavity/sinuses and can bleed a fair amount. It’s not the removing as much as getting to them and dealing with bleeding. We do these cases with general anesthesia and a full breathing tube to protect the airway.

Do you get sedated for hand surgery?

Many types of hand surgeries can be done with local anesthesia and sedation. If there is already nerve damage it may require general anesthesia. You will have to discuss this with READ MORE
Many types of hand surgeries can be done with local anesthesia and sedation. If there is already nerve damage it may require general anesthesia. You will have to discuss this with your surgeon and anesthesiologist.

What anesthesia is used for laparoscopic hernia surgery?

Any laparscopic surgery requires General Anesthesia.

How do you stop nausea after general anesthesia?

Nausea is a common side effect of GA. There are certain surgeries which are more prone such as GYN, breast, gastric bypass, inner ear and eye muscle surgery. There are very good READ MORE
Nausea is a common side effect of GA. There are certain surgeries which are more prone such as GYN, breast, gastric bypass, inner ear and eye muscle surgery. There are very good anti-emetic drugs that can be used and there are anesthetic techniques that can be used for most, but not all surgeries, to minimize post op nausea.

What anesthesia is used for liver transplant?

A liver transplant is a very complex surgery and anesthetic. It is also a lifelong commitment. Your transplant surgeon should be providing a multi disciplinary support group to READ MORE
A liver transplant is a very complex surgery and anesthetic. It is also a lifelong commitment. Your transplant surgeon should be providing a multi disciplinary support group to answer your questions

What anesthesia is used for lung surgery?

General anesthesia is required, although I don't know specifically what type of surgery you will be having. An endotracheal tube is usually required for the GA but an epidural READ MORE
General anesthesia is required, although I don't know specifically what type of surgery you will be having. An endotracheal tube is usually required for the GA but an epidural catheter may be placed preoperatively. It can be used during the case but is most important for post-op pain control which helps with pulmonary function and healing.

Is it safe to get anesthesia with diabetes?

Many people with diabetes have anesthesia safely. It’s important that you be as well controlled as can be and that you go over which medications to not take the am of surgery and READ MORE
Many people with diabetes have anesthesia safely. It’s important that you be as well controlled as can be and that you go over which medications to not take the am of surgery and if on insulin how to manage it the day of surgery. Often anesthesia will advice on this but may ask for input from your endocrinologist if the surgery is complex. Your glucose will be checked upon arrival to pre op. If your surgery is late in the day you will be given further instructions on checking you glucose at home. Typically patients with diabetes are done earlier in the day Glucose levels can safely managed under anesthesia

How long does vomiting last after general anesthesia?

Vomiting is a common side effect after anesthesia. You must make your anesthesiologist aware so your anesthesia can be adjusted There are certainly better antiemetics available READ MORE
Vomiting is a common side effect after anesthesia. You must make your anesthesiologist aware so your anesthesia can be adjusted There are certainly better antiemetics available today and certainly some medications to be avoided for lessened There are certain surgeries that are more prone to vomiting than others but be sure your anesthesiologist knows the severity of you n/v and if prolonged and with what type of surgeries

Are you sedated for hemorrhoid surgery?

Hemorrhoid surgery requires you to be prone. This can be done with general anesthesia and requires a breathing tube placed after you’re asleep and then turned prone. Or you can READ MORE
Hemorrhoid surgery requires you to be prone. This can be done with general anesthesia and requires a breathing tube placed after you’re asleep and then turned prone. Or you can start off positioning yourself prone with help from nurses and anesthesia and surgeon. Then sedation can begin but it all depends on how good a nerve block your surgeon performs. Discussion between anesthesia and surgeon should take place. Also depends on your body size and other medical issues which is safer for you.

Is it normal to have loose stools after general anesthesia?

Lots of medications can cause this especially antibiotics. Narcotics on the other hand can cause significant constipation and should be taken with a stool softener. If diarrhea READ MORE
Lots of medications can cause this especially antibiotics. Narcotics on the other hand can cause significant constipation and should be taken with a stool softener. If diarrhea persists or is severe let your surgeon know. And be sure to keep hydrated in both circumstances.

How soon after anesthesia can you drive?

Usually, the next day is ok as long as you’re not taking further narcotics You will probably be told this in your post-op instructions.

Can you be awake for fibroid surgery?

You can be awake if you get a spinal or perhaps an epidural anesthetic. With spinal sand epidurals you need to wait around postop until they wear off. If your surgeon is planning READ MORE
You can be awake if you get a spinal or perhaps an epidural anesthetic. With spinal sand epidurals you need to wait around postop until they wear off. If your surgeon is planning laparoscopic surgery you have to have general. If the approach is vaginal you probably still need deep deep sedation which is general anesthesia without a secured airway. A lot depends on location , size ad extent of fibroids. Talk it over but I think your choices are GA or spinal. No need to be afraid of GA - unless you’re had specific complaints which can be addressed with your anesthesiologist ahead of time

What anesthesia is used for hospice care?

The anesthesia your father needs is not dependent on hospice. It is dependent on what he needs for the priced. His other medical problems will affect the anesthesia/meds chose READ MORE
The anesthesia your father needs is not dependent on hospice. It is dependent on what he needs for the priced. His other medical problems will affect the anesthesia/meds chose but not because he’s in hospice. Often hospice is suspended while surgery is required and will be resumed after recovery.

Can you be awake for fibroid surgery?

You can choose a spinal or epidural anesthetic and remain awake. You then have to spend post op time waiting for them to wear off so you can walk out. Any gym surgery is prone READ MORE
You can choose a spinal or epidural anesthetic and remain awake. You then have to spend post op time waiting for them to wear off so you can walk out. Any gym surgery is prone to nausea so that exists for GA or spinal. Can certainly be addressed by anesthesiologist. Your fear of GA should be discussed with your anesthesiologist and the possibility of other than GA needs to be discussed between anesthesia and surgeon. Heavy sedation may be possible depending on how your surgeon feels. Heavy sedation may not take care of the surgical stimulation leaving you with an unprotected airway. GA , spinal and heavy sedation all have their set of risks so I would choose whatever gives the surgeon best operating conditions and keeps you safe

Are you fully sedated for a colonoscopy?

You are sedated but not fully asleep. This means there may be moments when you may become aware of discomfort, voices, touching. These are short moments if at all. Some depends READ MORE
You are sedated but not fully asleep. This means there may be moments when you may become aware of discomfort, voices, touching. These are short moments if at all. Some depends on whether sedation RN vs anesthesia is administering the sedation. Most people are unaware and remember none of the procedure. But unless you have full general anesthesia (which is really not necessary) there is a rare possibility or remembering the procedure

Is epidural anesthesia painful?

Epidural anesthesia should provide complete pain relief from the surgery. It requires the placement of tiny catheter into the epidural space which is outside the dura which covers READ MORE
Epidural anesthesia should provide complete pain relief from the surgery. It requires the placement of tiny catheter into the epidural space which is outside the dura which covers the spinal cord. The catheter is placed after the epidural space is located with an introducer needle. It takes a skillful person to place the introducer between the vertebrae. Usually some mild seductive is given and the skin and deeper tissues are numbed up with local anesthetic. Once the catheter is placed more numbing medication is put through the catheter until you are numb to the specific level needed. Epidurals are used frequently for labor and sometimes c-sections. Sometimes used as sole anesthetic or for post op pain in conjunction with general anesthesia. It all depends on type of surgery

How long does epidural anesthesia stay in your system?

Depends on the type of local anesthetic used. Some are long acting and sometimes a narcotic is added to the mix

Can sinus surgery be done with local anesthesia?

I’ve never seen it done but best to check with your surgeon. Most sinus surgery is uncomfortable at best and at times bloody despite attempts to vasoconstrict and apply local anesthetic. READ MORE
I’ve never seen it done but best to check with your surgeon. Most sinus surgery is uncomfortable at best and at times bloody despite attempts to vasoconstrict and apply local anesthetic. The local is basically to provide post op comfort and carry the epinephrine to vasoconstrict. Sinuses can also harbor pus and secretions so your airway should be protected with general anesthesia