Pelvic and abdominal surgery are commonly performed in the operating room. You may be required to do a bowel preparation prior to coming to the OR. Surgery on the lower abdominal and pelvic area can be done with a spinal anesthetic and or an epidural. Of course, a general anesthetic may be performed alone or in combination with these. Often, combining a regional technique with general anesthesia decreases the amount of general anesthesia needed. If an epidural is placed, it may be utilized during and/or after the procedure to keep you comfortable. Remember that if you choose a spinal or epidural anesthetic without general anesthesia, you may have sedation through your IV to have a light sleep so that you are unaware of the goings on in the OR.