Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 10/12/2010

Question
I had diagnostic lap & hysteroscopy/D&C 8 days ago under general anesthesia. My doctor informed me that she had "lanced" my uterus during surgery; however, it was not severe. I have had no meds since the day after surgery. I have significant blurred vision,and also continue to have the shoulder and neck pain associated with CO2 insufflation, (I'm assuming). I am most concerned by the visual changes lasting this long. I resumed my walking for exercise 48 hrs post op and returned to work in two days, so my activity levels are actually good. Could these symptoms be complications of anesthesia or the surgery itself? If so, do they generally wear off with time? I've had anesthesia & surgery (ALIF), before with no complications. FYI: I am scheduled to have a hysterectomy 10/18/10 (2 wks post the lap).  

Answer
The shoulder pain is probably the CO2 but that would be easy to check with an upright chest x-ray. As for the vision problems, I cannot explain them from either anesthesia or surgery. Occasionally we put an ointment in the eye to prevent corneal abrasions, but that should go away within a day. If you are still having vision problems, I would suggest seeing an opthomologist ASAP to make sure there is nothing organic going on.

Ronald Levy, MD
Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston