I have to have an exploratory laparoscopy next month to look at my problem ovary. They said I would have a choice of spinal or general anesthesia. Based on what they see, they may continue on and do either a laparoscopic surgery to remove the ovary or move on immediately to a conventional surgery, which would mean switching to general if I had chosen spinal anesthesia. But the need to switch to conventional surgery happens only about 10% of the time that the ovary needs to be removed.

Anyway, I am wondering if I should choose spinal or general anesthesia for the laparoscopy? I have never had general anesthesia, and I guess I worry that if they knock me out, I may never wake up (I have sleep apnea and never sleep on my back due to my airway closing off). I also worry about the spinal, and that the needle may hit the spinal nerve or that maybe I really don't want to be awake during the procedure after all--is it weird to have them operate on you while you are awake? Any advice?