“Does hand surgery require general anesthesia?”

Probably nerve block with sedation, that is my choice unless there is contraindication. I guess not.

I believe it could be done under regional block and intravenous sedation. Consult also a surgeon. Sometimes they inject local only.

No it does not in general. Most hand surgery can be done under regional or local anesthesia

No anesthesia needed, it is quick; no pain, no anxiety. For MRI, may need sedation if you are claustrophobic, but not for CT.

It depends on how extensive the surgery is. Some does not require general anesthesia

From Christopher Creighton

No, if your anesthesiologist is capable, the surgery can be done with a regional block. An axillary block (under your arm), or a suprascapular brachial plexus block would work. You can either be sedated or be wide awake. You would still feel some pressure but no pain. You would obviously hear any drilling done.

You may have what is called an axillary nerve block under ultrasound guidance.

During your surgery I would professionally give you a propofol infusion to keep you sedated and comfortable. These techniques are adequate. Thus, no general anesthesia isn’t a requirement. Also, you’ll want a block in the event your surgeon needs to perform osteotomies because post op is painful for your.

There are several factors that determine the type of anesthesia that is used. I will say that a majority of hand surgery can be performed without general anesthesia. The common conditions such as trigger fingers, tendon repairs, carpal tunnel, fractures, cubital tunnel, arthritis reconstruction can be performed with local plus or minus light sedation, axillary block with or without sedation, OR WALANT which is wide awake local and no tourniquet. Sometimes general anesthesia is needed for longer cases or larger cases. This is something to discuss both with your surgeon and your anesthesiologist .

I always advise people who ask me questions online to make sure they communicate their questions to the appropriate medical professionals taking care of them directly as they will be the most informed about your case and general health. With that in mind, most hand surgery cases when done electively, which means non emergency or not urgent, are performed with a form of anesthesia called MAC. This is called monitored anesthesia care. This puts you into a form of sleep similar to what people who get a colonoscopy. Think of the best nap you have ever taken. This form of amesthesia requires the use of local anesthetic such as Marcaine or Lidocaine to control the pain at the surgical site. Some people provide local infiltrarion of the numbing agents at the site of surgery while others require will perform a regional block, before the surgery, which renders the whole arm numb. The next level of anesthesia is the use of a specialized oral tube called General Anesthesia with LMA. This is between a MAC and a full General Anesthesia with an endotracheal tube, which is a tube into your airway proper. All forms have their risks and benefits. Some hand surgeons will do the procedure under regional block only without any form of sleeping medications. The decision on what level of anesthesia is directly linked to your overall medical condition so it is important to have yout medical history as updated and accurate as possible. I hope this helps and do not forget to discuss this with you hand surgeon and anesthesiologist.

This really depends upon your specific surgeon and the recommendations of your surgeon and anesthesiologist. Many simple hand procedures, such as a trigger finger release, can be performed under straight local anesthesia. Many can be performed under a regional block, where the armed is numbed up by the anesthesiologist and you are sedated. More complex or longer procedures can require general anesthesia. I recommend that you address this question with your surgeon before the procedure.

Not always. The answer to your question depends on the procedure being performed, the surgeon, and different patient factors. Some hand surgeries may be performed under straight local anesthesia, while others require a general anesthetic. I would recommend you discuss these options with your surgeon.