Expert: Dr Ian Jackson - please note UK based - 1/21/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi Dr i had an operation yesterday to remove Endometriosis, since i have had numbness on the right side of my tongue and also at the top of my right leg, i told the nurse who said it would wear off, should i be concerned as it hasnt and im still numb?

ANSWER: Hi Melanie
I susepct that these areas of numbness are due to pressure effects on nerves. You probably had a laryngeal mask airway in your mouth during the operation and this may have caused pressure on a nerve going to your tongue. The position you were in for the operation can put pressure on the nerve that goes to the outside upper aspect of your leg and again cause numbness.
In both cases this usually settles within a few days. If still an issue at 2 weeks (which is very very unlikely) then please see your doctor.
kind regards
Dr Ian Jackson

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Dr Jackson, i hope you do not mind me asking a 2nd question, following an operation on the 11th of Jan to remove endometriosis i was left with numbness in my tongue and the top of my leg which i was told would wear off.  I still have numbness in my tongue and my leg has some feeling now but is painful around that area if touched my gp cant fit me in all week, im now getting very worried

Answer
Hi Melanie
First important point is not to panic. This is a problem you have had for 10 days now and so you don't need an urgent appointment with your GP.
The fact that the leg has some feeling now is a good sign that the nerve is recovering. You can get areas that are very sensitive during this phase and this may well be what you are experiencing. However it is worth seeing your GP to confirm there are no other problems.
In my first answer I assumed you had a general anaesthetic - I assume this is the case as you have that numb area in your mouth.
If that is not settling then it might be worthwhile asking the GP to contact the anaesthetic department for further advice. I suspect they will just repeat the advice that it will slowly settle.
Kind regards
Dr Ian Jackson