Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 4/13/2009

Question
Hello,

My mother had anesthesia for colonoscopy and endoscopy procedures. She had "Monitored Anesthesia Care" (MAC) given by an anesthesiologist over IV. I am not sure if mask was used. These procedures lasted about 40 minutes after which she was taken to recovery.

She was able to walk right the same day upon the return home. On the 2nd and 3rd day after these procedures she is not able to stand up on her legs. She can move and bend them but is not able to stand up or walk.

Could this problem be caused by anesthesia?

If yes, how can this problem be resolved?

Thank you very much.

Answer
This is NOT a problem of anesthesia but it is something that definitely needs to be seen by her physician as soon as possible. MAC just means a little sedation and perhaps some pain killer. The patient still breathes spontaneously and is arousable, just sleeping. The problem you describe is not related to this.

Ronald Levy, MD
Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston