Expert: Dr Ian Jackson - please note UK based - 2/13/2009

Question
I recently had my second carpal tunnel surgery w/IV sedation and a local. I woke up right in the middle of my procedure as if I had nothing at all. Excruciating pain and vivid memories of what was going on..as if being tortured. How many people does this happen to? Why did it happen?

Answer
Hi there
All our patients have this procedure under local anaesthesia only. So if the local anaesthetic was working then you shouldn't have felt pain. As you felt pain then the local had not worked appropriately and you would have needed some more to be injected to ensure your comfort.
Some patients do need these 'top ups' but very few people report an experience like yours.
Kind regards
Dr Ian Jackson