Concerns About General Anesthesia During Pregnancy for Wart Treatment

Infection with genital warts during pregnancy?

Dear Dr.
Huang: I was infected with genital warts in 2013, but I was treated successfully and also received the HPV vaccine.
I am currently 13 weeks pregnant, and the warts have recurred.
My doctor has scheduled me for electrosurgery under general anesthesia.
I asked the doctor if general anesthesia would harm the baby, but he keeps telling me it’s a minor procedure and not to worry.
However, if it’s a minor procedure, why is general anesthesia necessary? Can’t I have local anesthesia instead? The doctor said local anesthesia would be very painful and reassured me to not worry! The surgery is scheduled for February 10th, and it’s approaching quickly! I am very concerned about my baby.
Dr.
Huang, can you please tell me if general anesthesia really will not affect the baby?

Danxin, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/03/05

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

I was infected with genital warts in 2013, but I was treated successfully and also received the HPV vaccine.
I am currently 13 weeks pregnant, and the genital warts have recurred.
My doctor has scheduled me for electrosurgery under general anesthesia.
I asked the doctor if this general anesthesia would harm the baby, but the doctor keeps telling me it's a minor procedure and not to worry.
However, if it's a minor procedure, why is general anesthesia necessary? Can't I have local anesthesia instead? The doctor said that local anesthesia would be very painful and reassured me to not worry! The surgery is scheduled for February 10th, and it's approaching quickly! I am very concerned about my baby.
Dr.
Huang, is it true that general anesthesia will not affect the baby? Answer: General anesthesia cannot guarantee that it won't harm the baby; consider getting a second opinion.

Reply Date: 2017/03/05

More Info

When it comes to concerns about general anesthesia during pregnancy, particularly for a procedure like electrosurgery for warts, it is understandable to have apprehensions about the potential effects on the developing fetus. You mentioned that you are currently 13 weeks pregnant and have a history of HPV, which is important context for your situation.

Firstly, it is crucial to recognize that the safety of general anesthesia during pregnancy has been studied extensively. Generally, the consensus is that when necessary, general anesthesia can be administered safely during pregnancy, particularly in the second trimester, which is often considered the safest period for surgical procedures. The first trimester is a critical time for fetal development, and exposure to certain medications and anesthetics can pose risks. However, by the time you are in your second trimester, the risk of teratogenic effects (causing developmental abnormalities) is significantly reduced.

The anesthetic agents used in general anesthesia are typically short-acting and are metabolized quickly by the body. Most studies indicate that there is no significant increase in the risk of congenital malformations or adverse outcomes in pregnancies exposed to general anesthesia during the second trimester. However, it is essential to ensure that the procedure is medically necessary and that the benefits outweigh any potential risks.

Regarding your specific situation, it is important to discuss your concerns with your healthcare provider. If your doctor has deemed the procedure necessary and believes that it can be performed safely under general anesthesia, it is likely that they have weighed the risks and benefits carefully. The fact that they have suggested that it is a "small procedure" may indicate that they anticipate it to be straightforward and low-risk.

As for the option of local anesthesia, it is indeed a valid consideration. Local anesthesia can be used for many minor procedures, and it typically carries fewer risks than general anesthesia. However, the level of pain and anxiety associated with the procedure can influence the choice of anesthesia. If the procedure is expected to be painful and you are concerned about your comfort, discussing this with your doctor is essential. They may be able to provide reassurance or alternative options that can help manage pain while minimizing risks to your baby.

In summary, while general anesthesia is generally considered safe during the second trimester, it is crucial to have open communication with your healthcare provider. They can provide you with detailed information about the specific anesthetic agents that will be used, the necessity of the procedure, and any potential risks involved. If you still have concerns, seeking a second opinion from another obstetrician or anesthesiologist may provide additional peace of mind. Ultimately, your health and the health of your baby are the top priorities, and your medical team should support you in making an informed decision.

Similar Q&A

Laser Treatment for Pregnant Women with Genital Warts: Options and Considerations

Currently, I am 18 weeks pregnant, and my only sexual partner, my husband, is infected with genital warts. I am looking for a hospital in the northern region that offers laser treatment for female genital warts. Is it possible to undergo treatment under general anesthesia?

Dr. Lü Lizheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
You can reply that anesthesia is available. Please contact directly, and you can be transferred to the obstetrics and gynecology outpatient department of each hospital for inquiries. Sincerely, Lu Li-Cheng, Taoyuan Hospital.

Managing Headaches and Genital Warts During Pregnancy: A Guide

I am currently three months pregnant, but I experience headaches, dizziness, and a feeling of pressure in my head after eating small meals throughout the day. I have to lie down and sleep to alleviate the pain and dizziness, and after about two hours of sleep, I feel hungry again...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, each person's pregnancy symptoms are different. If blood pressure is normal, headaches, brain swelling, and dizziness may improve as the weeks of gestation increase. If there are not many warts, local anesthesia can be used for laser or electrocautery surgery, but thi...

Pregnancy Medication Concerns: Seeking Guidance for Safe Choices

Hello Doctor, I discovered yesterday that I am pregnant... but I have some concerns that are troubling me, and I hope to seek your advice... 1. Last April, I had a genital infection with warts. Later, possibly due to the discharge, I found that my anal area was also infected in...

Dr. Lü Lizheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
1. Genital warts caused by this virus only affect the epidermis and nerves, and will not infect the fetus, so please rest assured. If there is an unfortunate recurrence, discuss treatment options with your physician. 2. Common cold medications typically do not have adverse effe...

Impact of Anesthesia and Medications During Pregnancy on Fetal Development

Hello, Doctor. When I was 13 weeks pregnant, I had a dental infection and visited the dentist, who administered local anesthesia and performed a gingival incision. Later, at 25 weeks, I developed herpes zoster and took Acyclovir 400 mg, two tablets five times a day for a total of...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, receiving anesthesia at 13 weeks is necessary for the surgery and cannot be avoided. However, since it is a local anesthesia and the dosage is very small, it should not have any significant impact. As for the other factors, they are at a later gestational age, which means ...