Dr. Brandon Lucas Villarreal, MD

Anesthesiologist

25500 Medical Center Dr Murrieta CA, 92562 Show map

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About

Dr. Brandon Villarreal is an anesthesiologist practicing in Murrieta, CA. Dr. Villarreal 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. Villarreal also might help manage pain after an operation.

Education and Training

Univ of Cincinnati Coll of Med, Cincinnati Oh 1985

Board Certification

AnesthesiologyAmerican Board of AnesthesiologyABA

Provider Details

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Dr. Brandon Lucas Villarreal, MD

Dr. Brandon Lucas Villarreal, MD's Expert Contributions

My Answers

Does anesthesia cause brain damage?
There is no doubt anesthetic gases and intravenous sedatives, and even the anti-depressants people use daily are toxic to brain cells, specifically the neurons and glial cells. Neurons, brain cells have ( with the proper nutrition, stress free environments ) tremendous restorative capacity, like all the other cells in your body. Growth hormone and IGF-1 are hormones secreted by the brain that are essential for brain cells to regenerate. It’s unknown exactly if anesthetic gases cause brain damage. It’s very difficult to prove. What is important during general anesthesia is that the blood flow in the brain must be maintained during surgery and general anesthesia. Good question; it’s difficult to answer specifically. READ MORE
What drug is used for general anesthesia?
Yes, the anesthetic agents used on adults are the same as those used in children. The dosages are safely adjusted. Since ur son is having lumbar or thoracic spine surgery the surgeon may ask for spinal cord, Neuro- monitoring during manipulation of the vertebra; if Neuro monitoring is employed ur son should have an infusion (IV) of propofol and remi-fentanyl so the neuro monitoring isn’t affected by the anesthetic gases. This type of anesthesia is called TIVA. Ur son will probably w/ TIVA have a small amount of Sevoflurane, about 0.4% MAC. The type of surgery dictates the anesthetic plan. READ MORE
Which anesthesia is used during abdominal hernia surgery?
It depends on the location of the hernia; umbilical? Inguinal? It also depends on the size of the hernia. If either are small then IV sedation with local anesthesia is adequate. If large and the surgeon needs muscle relaxation, then a combination of general anesthesia with a propofol infusion works best. For post op pain control a TAP block is very helpful in reducing your post operative pain. Some hernias are surgically corrected laparoscopically, in which general anesthesia plus TIVA and muscle relaxation will be necessary. READ MORE
Can anesthesia cause laryngospasm?
Yes, very much so! Particularly if you smoke, have an upper respiratory infection or a chronic cough. If possible, maybe your procedure may be done under IV sedation. All experienced anesthesiologists are skilled in reducing your incidence for laryngospams. READ MORE
Is it possible to have local anesthesia for a surgical procedure on my foot?
Yes, it’s very possible to have a local anesthetic block with sedation, or what you describe as a twilight sleep. READ MORE
I'm terrified about having my wisdom teeth pulled! Can I request general anesthesia?
Ideally, with dental molar local anesthetic blocks combined with protocol infusion you will do just fine! If you really are anxious and afraid of moving during the procedure I would recommend general anesthesia. READ MORE
Why do I have dry mouth after the anesthesia?
You were most likely given Robinul. Robinul will dry your mouth. READ MORE
What if my anesthesia stops working in the middle of the surgery?
It’s highly unlikely you will be awake during a general anesthetic, though hearing sounds during surgery is possible. Usually during induction and emergence. People may hear sounds, but don’t describe pain. READ MORE
Is anesthesia needed for a fistula procedure?
I am assuming it’s a AV fistula for renal dialysis? This may be done under local anesthesia with IV sedation. READ MORE
I'll be having surgery to rebuild my jaw. Am wondering about length of procedure and anesthesia management during surgery.
The anesthetic is a general. The length of the procedure determines how much anesthesia you receive. Anesthesiologists do provide anesthesia as do nurse anesthetist. READ MORE
Will my homeopathy medication contradict with my anesthesia?
Yes, very much so! Please tell your surgeon you are on homeopathic remedies. Some may make you prone to bruising and bleeding. READ MORE
What are the risks of anesthesia for a patient with heart problems?
Yes, there are risks for a heart attack, heart failure and stroke. Please see that your mom sees her cardiologist prior to surgery and clears her for her hip operation. Hip operations may be completed under spinal anesthesia. READ MORE
Is confusion normal after anesthesia?
Yes, very much so. May last up to a month. READ MORE
Will anesthesia also reduce my post operative pain?
Yes it will. During surgery your anesthesiologist has a tool box filled with medications that will reduce your pain post operatively. READ MORE
Does liposuction require anesthesia?
During liposuction the subcutaneous tissue is infused with a liquid that contains lidocaine. Lidocaine is a local anesthetic and this you won’t feel pain. During the procedure you may receive IV sedation so you sleep comfortably during your procedure. READ MORE
Do I need anesthesia for a laser eye surgery?
Topical local anesthesia is dropped onto the surface of your eye so you don’t feel any pain or discomfort. During your procedure you will be comfortable, though “not” asleep. Your ophthalmologist May direct you to look up or down during your procedure. For this reason you are to be comfortable while following commands. READ MORE
My son has a small throat polyp. Will he have to under general anesthesia for the surgery?
Yes, because the polyp sits within his airway at the back of the throat. During polyp Surgery your son will be required to stay still and not move. It also depends on how large and extensive the polyp is relative to his vocal cords and laryngeal inlet. These structure are highly innervated with nerves and very sensitive to touch. For instance if you inhale when it’s or cold or say smoke in the room you will most likely cough. The simple act of coughing may interfere with your sons pricedure. READ MORE
I'm having a nose job. Will the anesthesia affect my high blood pressure?
Anesthesia will actually lower your blood pressure. Additionally there are many other medications that anesthesiologists have available that will also lower your blood pressure. You don’t want to have a high blood pressure during your operation; because you will bleed and bruise more which interferes with the operation and your eventual aesthetic appearance. Take your blood pressure medications religiously. READ MORE
Will fasting and anesthesia lead to any complications in my surgery?
Typically not! You may get IV liquids that contain dextrose, a sugar and your blood glucose level may be followed during your operation. READ MORE
Does anesthesia cause any developmental issues in kids?
Yes! Anesthetics work on the cells of the brain. Anesthetics alter brain function. Thus they may unmask neuro-developmental signs/symptoms. When a child falls on his head, this act also unmasks neuro-developmental signs. The surgery your son had may also unmask neuro-developmental signs, so it’s not just the anesthetic. Please understand, developmental problems aren’t necessarily a bad thing! Your son needs to be evaluated by a pediatric developmental specialist. READ MORE