I was booked in for a lumpectomy. I had my gown on, fitted for stockings, spoke to my surgeon but when the anaesthetist saw me she cancelled the operation. I have an enlarged thyroid and she didn’t think it was safe to proceed without further information. I asked her about options and she mentioned wide awake surgery. Has anybody had this type of surgery and how did it go.
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So sorry that you got cancelled at the last minute .
From my experience as both a Nurse and a patient I think they are meaning having it done under local anaesthetic possibly a regional blockade which numbs a whole area by infiltrating local anaesthetic around a specific nerve or group of nerves and maybe a bit of sedation so that you would be relaxed but not so deeply asleep that you need an airway tube . You would still have all the monitoring equipment on that we use for people who have a full general anaesthetic and you would probably have oxygen either in a face mask or nasal specs .There would likely still be an anaesthetist present to keep an eye on you and you might be offered or asked to bring your own music / earphones . If it’s something else then I apologise to you .
I had my first procedure done in the Radiology Dept under local anaesthetic with no sedation - unsuccessful for me but successful for everyone who has had it done that way since then. However not all procedures are possible under local anaesthetic and it’s up to your Surgeon and the Anaesthetic team to come up with the best plan for you . If you don’t hear anything in a day or two I would advise calling your BCN for an update and you could also speak to your surgery xx .
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Thankyou so much for your very helpful reply. Much appreciated.
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My thyroid started playing up at the same time as I was diagnosed with bc. I had been hypothyroid for years but suddenly found I am hyperthyroid. After many blood tests and discussions with anaesthetists they delayed my operation for a week and fiddled about with my medication but the operation was on 17 december2024. Thyroid still playing up but I got there and had another op 1 month later. 1st mammogram since diagnosis so fingers crossed. Hope things work out for you soon
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Hi yes I had wide awake in 1996.. a breast reconstruction after surgery.
Interesting experience. I counted the flies in the operating lights in those days ( Ha Ha) as they never put a screen up to stop me looking down. A weird sensation but it was great as I was able to leave the hospital that afternoon. They did local injections and I didn’t feel a thing.
If I had the choice and needed an op I’d do it again.
Hope your op goes well.
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Thankyou. This is very reassuring. Will request a screen or maybe an infestation of flies!!
I think things have moved on slightly in hygiene in hospitals. Ha Ha.
Best of luck.
I had a revision on my Diep reconstruction under local anaesthetic, and I watched my surgeon cut and remove skin and fat from my breast to improve the shape. I chose the music they played in theatre and chatted all the way through with the team! The anaesthetist was present throughout to ensure I didn’t experience any pain. I didn’t feel anything and felt very relaxed. I hope this helps reassure you if you decide to be awake doing surgery 
xx
Thankyou. I feel much more confident now.