Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 10/26/2010

Question
I recently went in for gall bladder surgery and was allergic to anesthesia. I went into anaphylactic shock. I survived but just barely. I still have my gall bladder and want to find out about what kind of testing can be done to determine what i was allergic to. Local allergist won't see me for this type of testing. do you have any information on testing for anesthesia.. Thank you

Answer
You were probably NOT allergic to anesthesia but was allergic to some drug you received. It may or may not have been an anesthetic agent but even if it was, there are other agents you can get if you need anesthesia. There is no special place for "anesthesia" allergy testing so perhaps your allergist may know of another allergist who will do the testing for you.

Ronald Levy, MD
Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston