Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 10/12/2009

Question
QUESTION: what complications might arise if the paralytic agents used prior to surgery (i.e.roc.,pro.,)are injected directly into muscle tissue?

ANSWER: First, why would it be injected prior to surgery and second why in the muscle? The only complications (other than the expected result of paralysis) would be local pressure necrosis, but this is unlikely. I need more information to answer this question.

Ronald Levy, MD
Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston

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

QUESTION: The Anesthesiologist thought he had a vein, but did not. My wife says it burned very much going into her arm, but the doc didn't seem to notice. They ended up keeping her under watch for 12+ hours but now her arm is tight and sore 3 days removed.

Answer
They kept her for 12 hours because an IM injection takes longer to be absorbed and they wanted to make sure she didn't have any residual or delayed paralysis. I can understand her arm being sore, but if it is tight (meaning swollen, tense and perhaps discolored), she should be seen immediately.

Ronald Levy, MD
Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston