Expert: Dr Ian Jackson - please note UK based - 11/10/2008

Question
Recently (10/22/08) had same day surgery for removal of nasal polyps under general anesthesia.  Woke up in the middle of kaos everywhere, and they kept me extra day.  They said I was not breathing.  I requested my records from hospital after my release, and turns out, I experienced "fluid overload", "early failure", and "CHF" - NONE of this info was conveyed to me.    They said they wanted to make sure I did not have a heart attack.  They were in a panic, so my family says.

Answer
Lucinda
It is far from clear what happened during your anaesthetic. I'm not sure about your age? If you are below 40-50 then it is unlikely that you had true fluid overload during a daycase anaesthetic. They would have to give a lot (several litres) of fluid to cause that problem. However it is possible that you had an airway problem during the procedure that led to the development of 'pulmonary oedema' which is excess water on the lungs. This can develop if you have a period of obstruction to your airway during which your lungs are trying to breathe.
However this is all guess work. You need a satisfactory explanation and if I were you I would ask to meet with them so they have a chance to explain what happened on the basis you want to avoid problems in the future.
Kind regards
Dr Ian Jackson