Axillary Excisional Lymph Node Biopsy
Anesthesia Implications
Position: Supine, one arm extended, one arm tucked, Bed turned 30 degrees
Time: 30-60 min (short)
Blood Loss: Very Low (5-10 ml)
Post-op Pain: Minimal (1-3)
Maintenance Paralytic: No
Anesthetic Approaches
- MAC, Propofol Drip
The Anesthesia
Suturing will be quick and is a good marker to turn off the propofol and let the patient wake up.
Tucked Arms (general considerations): Consider a second IV – once the procedure has started, it’s going to be VERY difficult to handle IV issues – especially if your only IV has problems. Ensure the IV is running and monitors are still functioning after tucking the patient’s arms
