expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Steven McCornack

Anesthesiologist

Dr. Steven McCornack is an anesthesiologist practicing in Centerville, Ohio. Dr. McCornack 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. McCornack also might help manage pain after an operation.
Dr. Steven McCornack
  • Centerville, Ohio
  • University of Health Sciences
  • Accepting new patients

Is knee arthroscopy done under general anesthesia?

Knee arthroscopy is done most often under general anesthesia, but there are many other options available if you so choose. Spinal anesthesia is also often used. Various nerve blocks READ MORE
Knee arthroscopy is done most often under general anesthesia, but there are many other options available if you so choose. Spinal anesthesia is also often used. Various nerve blocks may be used. If you have a preference, contact your anesthesia provider prior to surgery to discuss options.
Good luck!

Is local anesthesia safer than general?

Depends on the procedure. Both local anesthesia and general anesthesia are very safe. I always remind patients that the most dangerous thing they will do is drive to and from the READ MORE
Depends on the procedure. Both local anesthesia and general anesthesia are very safe. I always remind patients that the most dangerous thing they will do is drive to and from the hospital on the day of surgery.
Good luck!

Is it normal to have difficulty breathing after dental anesthesia?

Without knowing what type of anesthesia you may have had, I will give a more general answer. One factor is your general state of health. Some pre-existing conditions may be worsened. READ MORE
Without knowing what type of anesthesia you may have had, I will give a more general answer. One factor is your general state of health. Some pre-existing conditions may be worsened. Local anesthesia given in the mouth or jaw might interfere with normal breathing. Nitrous oxide or general anesthesia may also interfere with breathing for a few hours. So, while it could be possible, it is not very common. If symptoms persist or worsen, call your dentist and/or seek medical attention.

Why can't I urinate after anesthesia?

This is a common occurrence after anesthesia. It should resolve on its own after a short amount of time. Many centers will do an ultrasound of your bladder if you have not yet READ MORE
This is a common occurrence after anesthesia. It should resolve on its own after a short amount of time. Many centers will do an ultrasound of your bladder if you have not yet voided before sending you home. Assuming that the surgery is not urological in nature, it is simply a side effect of the medications and a general anesthetic. If it persists, you might have to go into the emergency department to have your bladder drained by catheter. This is a rare thing to have happen.

How long does anesthesia affect children?

Most of the effects of a pediatric anesthetic are gone within a few hours under normal circumstances. Some longer acting medications may remain in the body for hours to days after READ MORE
Most of the effects of a pediatric anesthetic are gone within a few hours under normal circumstances. Some longer acting medications may remain in the body for hours to days after administration. As you might imagine, it is difficult and expensive to study the effects of anesthesia on anyone, but particularly in children.

Can you walk after a nerve block?

I am sure that your doctor will want you to not put any weight on your numb foot Until the block has worn off. Under normal conditions you would be aware of foot injury due to READ MORE
I am sure that your doctor will want you to not put any weight on your numb foot Until the block has worn off. Under normal conditions you would be aware of foot injury due to pain. Obviously, you would not feel pain until it wears off. You might be on crutches, but certainly no weight bearing until your feeling has returned

How will anesthesia be rationed during the coronavirus?

Actually, with elective anesthesia cases being postponed in some areas, there would not have to be any rationing. Many providers have been reassigned to other duties or even laid READ MORE
Actually, with elective anesthesia cases being postponed in some areas, there would not have to be any rationing. Many providers have been reassigned to other duties or even laid off while the elective cases are postponed. Some anesthetic drugs are also used in the intensive care unit, so in those cases there may be a shortage of anesthesia drugs. One problem is that anesthetic drugs are not a very profitable sector, so there are not many manufacturers, even for drugs out of patent. A hurricane or disruption of the supply chain can cause a lot of problems for the whole industry.

Why can't you get an epidural with low platelets?

Low platelet count is a relative contraindication to receiving an epidural, particularly for labor pain. The first question the anesthesia provider would want to know is why the READ MORE
Low platelet count is a relative contraindication to receiving an epidural, particularly for labor pain. The first question the anesthesia provider would want to know is why the platelets are low. Low platelets could cause bleeding which in the epidural space could lead to a neurosurgical emergency to relieve the pressure of an epidural bleed. Since labor epidurals are not mandatory, we look at the risks, benefits, and alternatives to placing one with a low platelet count. Certainly, no one would want to risk having a neurosurgical procedure interfering with
childbirth.

Is it safe to be under anesthesia when 5 years old?

Modern anesthesia is quite safe. Be sure to ask questions about monitoring and the experience of providers. Many pediatric cases are done in pediatric centers, but many outpatient READ MORE
Modern anesthesia is quite safe. Be sure to ask questions about monitoring and the experience of providers. Many pediatric cases are done in pediatric centers, but many outpatient surgeries are done by teams of providers who work together often and have a lot of experience with particular types of common cases. Tonsillectomy is one of the most common surgeries, particularly in young people, so I am sure that they have a lot of experience with pediatric cases. Ask your surgeon if you have any concerns.
Good luck!

Can anesthesia cause an irregular heartbeat?

Many medications can cause disturbances in heart rhythm, often by affecting the normal conduction mechanisms of the heart and/ or by affecting the heart rate. Most of the time, READ MORE
Many medications can cause disturbances in heart rhythm, often by affecting the normal conduction mechanisms of the heart and/ or by affecting the heart rate. Most of the time, these are transient and of no clinical significance. If an abnormal rhythm were to occur under anesthesia, the anesthesia provider can take steps to correct it if necessary, often with other medications.

How is general anesthesia given to kids?

In younger children, general anesthesia may be initiated by a mask being held over the child’s face until she loses consciousness. At that time, an intravenous catheter is usually READ MORE
In younger children, general anesthesia may be initiated by a mask being held over the child’s face until she loses consciousness. At that time, an intravenous catheter is usually placed to allow administration of IV medication. A breathing tube or supraglottic airway may be placed at that time if the airway needs to be secured and if inhalational anesthetics will be used to keep the child asleep. Sedation may be given by mouth prior to separation from the parents. In older children who can tolerate an IV start, an intravenous catheter may be placed and the process is much like that of adult patients at that point. The anesthetic technique is formulated using the age, health, and size of the child. The type and location of surgery also affects the anesthesia plan. If you have specific concerns about your child, consult the surgeon and the anesthesia team prior to the time of surgery. Good luck!

What anesthesia is used for people over the age of 80?

With any treatment plan, providers must consider the risks, benefits, and alternatives (RBAs). People over 80 are most likely to have some pre-existing medical conditions and less READ MORE
With any treatment plan, providers must consider the risks, benefits, and alternatives (RBAs). People over 80 are most likely to have some pre-existing medical conditions and less physiologic reserve than younger patients. So, more risks in the RBA equation. Conversely, the benefits of certain anesthetic techniques like regional anesthesia or opioid sparing techniques may be greater. In general, tailoring anesthesia to elderly patients may involve more regional anesthesia where appropriate and reduction in narcotics and sedative medications. I recommend avoiding benzodiazepines and using a consciousness monitor (such as a BIS monitor)

Is epidural anesthesia painful afterwards?

There may be some momentary discomfort when the epidural needle is placed in the epidural space, but one the anesthetic is delivered there should be no further discomfort associated READ MORE
There may be some momentary discomfort when the epidural needle is placed in the epidural space, but one the anesthetic is delivered there should be no further discomfort associated with the epidural.

Can you eat or drink before a nerve block?

Check with your provider. Most facilities follow the preoperative eating and drinking guidelines of the American Society of Anesthesiologists which in the short-form are 2 hours READ MORE
Check with your provider. Most facilities follow the preoperative eating and drinking guidelines of the American Society of Anesthesiologists which in the short-form are 2 hours for clear liquids, 4 hours for breast milk, 6 hours for solid food, and possibly 8 hours for large meals or fatty foods. The nature of the block and whether sedation is involved may also influence their policies.

What kind of anesthesia is used for arthroscopic shoulder surgery?

Most commonly, arthroscopic shoulder surgery is performed under general anesthesia. Depending on how much work is anticipated, a nerve block for postoperative pain may also be READ MORE
Most commonly, arthroscopic shoulder surgery is performed under general anesthesia. Depending on how much work is anticipated, a nerve block for postoperative pain may also be offered. It is possible to do the surgery with a nerve block and sedation. The choice is arrived at by considering the needs and preferences of the patient, the surgeon, and the anesthesiologist. If you get a block, it will most likely make your shoulder and arm numb for 8-24 hours.

Can a spinal block cause permanent damage?

If you examine the anatomy of a spinal block, you will be reassured that the common fears about it are unwarranted. It is more properly called a subarachnoid block because the READ MORE
If you examine the anatomy of a spinal block, you will be reassured that the common fears about it are unwarranted. It is more properly called a subarachnoid block because the needle and medication goes into the subarachnoid space which is the cerebrospinal fluid filled space below the level of the spinal cord. The risk of some type of permanent damage is extremely small. The medications commonly used have been proven safe with many years of effective use. Depending on the type of procedure or purpose of the block, there can be some transient side effects that are easily treated with intravenous medication. There is about a 1-3 percent chance that you could develop a post dural puncture headache. This headache is
easily treatable if it is severe enough. When considering medical treatment or anesthesia, you and your physicians should always consider the risks, benefits, and alternatives of any plan. Spinal anesthesia is safe and effective for the vast majority of patients when it is a recognized alternative for your particular condition or procedure.

Are you put to sleep for eyelid surgery?

There are several different anesthesia options for eyelid surgery. It depends on the preferences of the patient and the surgeon, and how complicated or lengthy the case may be. READ MORE
There are several different anesthesia options for eyelid surgery. It depends on the preferences of the patient and the surgeon, and how complicated or lengthy the case may be. One option is local anesthetic with or without sedation. Another option would be to be asleep briefly while the surgeon injects local anesthetic into the surgical field. Another option would be a general anesthetic. You should discuss your preferences and concerns with your surgeon before you schedule the surgery to be certain that you understand each other. If you will need an anesthesia provider, it will of course also be necessary to include them in the discussion and scheduling. Good luck!

How long does anesthesia last after a C-section?

The answer depends to a great extent on what type of anesthesia you have for your C section. A spinal anesthetic is often used for C section. Depending on which type of local anesthetic READ MORE
The answer depends to a great extent on what type of anesthesia you have for your C section. A spinal anesthetic is often used for C section. Depending on which type of local anesthetic is used and if any adjuncts are added, it could be anywhere from roughly an hour and a half to two and a half hours. Sometimes longer acting medication, like the narcotic duramorph, is added for post operative pain control. Another option would be a TAP block pain block which can also be done to help with post op pain. Duramorph or a TAP block may give you several days of relief. General anesthesia is another possibility which can be considered. Speak with your anesthesia team in advance of your procedure to see what options they can offer and formulate a plan to determine which is right for you and the baby. Good luck!

When can I eat after spinal anesthesia?

Well, certainly it depends on the type of procedure which you are having and how quickly you recover afterward. As long as you are not feeling nauseated, I don't see any reason READ MORE
Well, certainly it depends on the type of procedure which you are having and how quickly you recover afterward. As long as you are not feeling nauseated, I don't see any reason why you couldn't start eating as soon as the spinal wears off. I suggest sips of water and clear liquids first to see how you will tolerate intake. If that goes well, you should be able to eat immediately. Check with your surgeon and anesthesia team first.

How do they give you general anesthesia?

There are different methods of administering general anesthesia. Some involve administration of intravenous medication only, and some combine intravenous medication with inhaled READ MORE
There are different methods of administering general anesthesia. Some involve administration of intravenous medication only, and some combine intravenous medication with inhaled anesthetic gases. Also, depending on the type of surgery and preferences of the patient, there may be other anesthetic methods which might be appropriate for your surgery. There are plenty of reliable sources of information and videos about having surgery if you have any questions or concerns. As always, be sure to let your anesthesia provider know about any questions or concerns which you may have. Good luck!