Does the dVP require general anesthesia?
Yes. The dVP is a major operation and would be intolerable without anesthesia. During a dVP, the operating table is positioned such that the patient’s head is lower than his feet (Trendelenburg). Also, the patient’s abdomen is filled with CO2 to a pressure of 15 mm Hg. Under such conditions, a sedated patient cannot breathe on his own. For these reasons, the dVP requires general anesthesia with full intubation.
