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Could need a supra pubic catheter and am worried about anesthesia effects.

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I agree that's it's a good idea to discuss the risks and concerns with the surgeon and anesthesiologist, but I'm not that confident they really get it. I'm not sure how much they know about anesthesia and dementia. They should, but when I brought it up with them about my cousin, (I'm HCPOA) it was discounted pretty quickly. They said they would use the least amount possible with no general, but then on that day, said general might be necessary. I explained our concern to the surgeon and the anesthesiologist and they didn't seem to get it. I don't think other people read up and research dementia issues like us caregivers do. Even those in the healthcare field. At least that's been my experience. I've witnessed it with Orthopaedic doctors too.
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Does he have dementia now? Anesthesia from the surgery could cause it or a rapid decline if he has dementia now. Think and consult the doctors and consider very carefully before you decide to to do this.
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Surgery at any age carries risk. I have a 94 yr old aunt ( knee replacement) and 95 yr old uncle (heart valve) with recent surgery who both did fine. No prior or post dementia. A couple of others in their 80s took about a year to recover. It's a very individual risk. I think they shoujd make their own decision if they have their faculties. Sometimes there are lesser treatments. My 85 yr old Gm had her breast removed but didn't have chemo or radiation. Passed at 89 from unrelated illness. No dementia. There are no guarantees. Good luck.
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A supra pubic cath can be placed with just a local anesthetic and maybe something like Versed to "calm" the patient. Mother had one placed in the drs office. I didn't even know she was having it done. It has helped her incontinence and UTI's tremendously. If no general anes. is done, the risk is not too great, but you need to ask the dr (esp the anes dr. My DIL is an anes. and she has told me she's refused elderly patients when she assesses them and feels they don't make good candidates for general anes. I am sure she's not unusual in that level of care).
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There are always anesthesia risks with a person of 94 years of age. Talk to your doctor and if possible, anesthetist.
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What is the surgery? How would you describe "fairly good health"? What does the surgeon and the man's regular Dr. say? How urgent is the surgery? These are important questions to consider.
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The doctor should be able to advise you. My dad had the same cathe procedure done at age 90. No problem. He had good health but it's an individual by individual case.
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Midkid, how wonderful if anestheiologist would assess a patient first. Is that assessment done days before scheduled surgery or in the pre-op area. Whenever I have had a procedure done I don't meet the anestheiologist until right before the procedure.
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I thought it was PROTOCOL that anes. docs assess patients prior to surgery. ESP in the elderly! My DIL is an amazing anes doc, and I really appreciate her input when we have issues with Mother. She saw Mother at Christmas, then when mother wanted a 2nd hip replacement, DIL freaked out---said I had to intervene, that mother was a terrible candidate for general anes. and should never have it again in her life (unless her overall health should greatly improve). No worries, mother's GP nixed that surgery and any others. (I have to add that Mother "planned" to die while under anes.....so she said). She said there are MANY ways to keep a patient comfortable and yet still do a lot of procedures. People just don't know enough to ask.
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On my first surgery here at my hometown, I saw the anesthesiologist when he walked in right before my surgery. Took one look at my chart and didn't like that I was having a rapid heart beat. He wasn't going to do the operation until he received my echocardio results. Surgeon walked in and was surprised that I wasn't prepped. Told him what the anesth doc said, he said that there is no problem with my heart.

My second major surgery was in Hawaii at the children/women's hospital. I had to come in the night before my surgery to be interviewed by the anesth. doctor. Oh my gosh, he was old! While he was taking notes, his hands were shaking. All I kept thinking was - an anesthesiologist with Parkinson-like shaking hands is going to do my anesthesia?!? Well, it's obvious I survived that surgery.

As you can see, 2 separate hospitals - with the same major abdominal surgery - with different procedures regarding the anesthesiologist.
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