Expert: JM Starkman, MD - 8/7/2009

Question
Hello Doctor,

On Tuesday I had an outpatient surgical procedure; an umbilical hernia that unbeknownst to myself or my surgeon was incarcerated.  However, I was only in the OR for less than an hour before waking up in phase 1 recovery.

With previous general anesthesia I have woken up peacefully and felt "good"; meaning comfortable and relaxed.  This time was very different; I was fearful and very anxious about my BP, blood oxygen level, blood sugar (diabetic), on and on.  The nurse with me assured me that all was well yet I was still panicky.

I did have a respiratory arrest back in February of this year when the sedative was given to me to put me to sleep for a stent placement (bile duct, I had a bad leak after my gall bladder was removed).  I understand that I was VERY sick at that time.  After I arrested I was in ICU for 5 days.  I was in the hospital for almost a month total.

I'm sorry that this is long, but in your opinion, do you think that my panic was due to my code blue in February or more of a reaction to whatever medications were used during my hernia surgery?

Also, for this surgery I was fitted with an ON-Q and I was wondering if you knew anything about the ON-Q...I can attest to the fact that I have used VERY little of the Darvocet my surgeon prescribed for me.  Is the ON-Q safe or does it have lasting effects after removal?

Thank you so much!

Answer
It sounds like the On-Q system worked well for you after this type of surgery which is known for being quite painful.  I really can't imagine any long term effects at all. If you aren't sure the On-Q is safe why did you permit its implantation?  Do you think your surgeon whom you trusted to do a proper surgery on your hernia would be inclined to implant an unsafe device?

Since different anesthetics may be used for different surgeries/situations by varying anesthesiologists/surgery centers or hospitals I have to presume the medications for this operation are the cause of your 'panic'. Although from your description, it sounds as if all was conducted perfectly.