Expert: Dr Ian Jackson - please note UK based - 11/12/2008

Question
My son is 12 months old and had ptosis surgery this morning.  Procedure took about 30 minutes including sedation.  I was able to see him about 1 hour later.  The anesthesiologist told me he woke up quickly from the general anesthesia and was very "fiesty" so she administered another drug intravenously to put him back out for 20-30 min.  She told me what it was but I have since forgotten.  I know it started with a "P" and if I'm not mistaken ended in "val" or "vil".  She said it wears off very quickly and wouldn't cause drowsiness for hours as I had anticipated.  Sure enough he's doing fine this evening, I am just curious as to what he received.  Thank you for your time.

Answer
Hi there
I am UK based but from your spelling I assume you are the States?
This makes my job more of a challenge as the drugs have different names over here. However I suspect they gave your child some 'pain killer' intravenously and that made him sleepy. Pain is the most likely cause of a child being upset when they wake up and so I can only assume this has been the case here.
Sorry can't start to guess what it was they used - though I bet my American colleague could help with that one.
I'm glad your child is doing fine.
All the best
Dr Ian Jackson