Illinois Patient Undergoes Kidney Surgery While Wide Awake - WSVN 7News | Miami news, weather, sports

CHICAGO (WSVN) — A man is recovering after undergoing kidney surgery while wide awake.

The Illinois man underwent a “pioneering procedure,” the first of its kind.

“I had been given a lot of sedatives for my own comfort. But, you know, I could still be aware of what they were doing,” she said.

John Nicholas, 28, received a spinal anesthesia injection, instead of using general anesthesia. It is a similar procedure used in pregnant women undergoing a cesarean section.

During the two-hour surgery, Nicholas said he was fully awake, alert and even talked and answered questions from doctors.

“When they called out my name and told me about certain milestones they’d reached, like, ‘Oh, hey, you know, we actually connected.’ Hey, we’re sewing things,’” Nicholas said.

He said doctors even showed him his new kidney before they placed it inside his body.

“Yeah, it was great,” Nicholas said.

Doctors said staying awake during surgery allows patients to recover more quickly.

Nicholas returned home one day after his surgery.

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