Will the general anesthesia used in laser vein surgery hurt my fetus?

I had a laser treatment done on a deep vein when I was 4 weeks pregnant and did not know I was. I am now 23 weeks and am nervous that the general anesthesia at such a early time in gestation will cause long term effects.

Answers from doctors (7)


Metro Vein Centers

Published on Feb 07, 2018

You should discuss this with your OB/GYN.

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Answered by Metro Vein Centers

You should discuss this with your OB/GYN.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Jan 22, 2012

I do not know how your procedure was done, but we never do laser ablation under general anesthesia. In our office it is done under local anesthesia, with perhaps a small dose of an oral sedative, and is very safe, even if one is pregnant. There definitely would be some risk to you and your fetus if you did, in fact, have general anesthesia, although for the life of me, I do not know why any physician would perform this procedure using such extreme anesthesia.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

I do not know how your procedure was done, but we never do laser ablation under general anesthesia. In our office it is done under local anesthesia, with perhaps a small dose of an oral sedative, and is very safe, even if one is pregnant. There definitely would be some risk to you and your fetus if you did, in fact, have general anesthesia, although for the life of me, I do not know why any physician would perform this procedure using such extreme anesthesia.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Angelo N. Makris MD

Published on Jan 10, 2012

You would need to ask an anesthesiologist.

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Answered by Angelo N. Makris MD

You would need to ask an anesthesiologist.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Jan 10, 2012

I would recommend you speak with your obstetrician regarding this issue.
Typically we won't perform any procedures on someone who is pregnant.
Norman N. Bein MD FACS RVT

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

I would recommend you speak with your obstetrician regarding this issue.
Typically we won't perform any procedures on someone who is pregnant.
Norman N. Bein MD FACS RVT

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Jan 10, 2012

You should check with your anesthesiologist. Probably not though. I generally do all these procedures with local anesthesia however.
Michael D Ingegno

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Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

You should check with your anesthesiologist. Probably not though. I generally do all these procedures with local anesthesia however.
Michael D Ingegno

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialists

Published on Jan 10, 2012

I doubt it very seriously, but would direct your concerns to your OB. I
have not used general anesthesia for vein closure since 2002, all of my
procedures are performed in the office under local anesthesia, as are the
majority of other vein specialists' procedures.

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Answered by Vein Specialists

I doubt it very seriously, but would direct your concerns to your OB. I
have not used general anesthesia for vein closure since 2002, all of my
procedures are performed in the office under local anesthesia, as are the
majority of other vein specialists' procedures.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Jan 05, 2012

There is always an increased risk to the fetus from general anesthesia during the first trimester of pregnancy. Fortunately, this risk is low. You may want to check with your anesthesiologist to see what anesthetic agents were used.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

There is always an increased risk to the fetus from general anesthesia during the first trimester of pregnancy. Fortunately, this risk is low. You may want to check with your anesthesiologist to see what anesthetic agents were used.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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