Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 11/8/2009

Question
Dr. I recently underwent cataract surgery and I was given an injection of 1MG Epinephrine and   an    injection of 1% 2 ML Lidocaine.  They knew that my medical history included a sibling that died of MH during Rhinoplasty in 1969.  I thought these 2 drugs were MH triggers.  I am to undergo a second surgery on the 18th of Nov. for cataract of my right eye.  How can I resolve my fear of these 2 drugs proir to my second surgery?  Was it safe for me to have these drugs administered?

Answer
Yes it was safe. Lidocaine is not a trigger and neither is epinephrine. Triggers for MH usually include the inhalational agents and succinylcholine. As long as your anesthesiologist knows your family history (and by the way, a sibling with MH does not guarantee you will have it) he will take the appropriate precautions.


Ronald Levy, MD
Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston