Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 12/22/2010

Question
Hello, my mother 72 had hip replacement 3 weeks ago, incision healed no redness, drainage. doing well with walking takes advil for pain prn.  runs low grade temp at night and wakes up with night sweats and chills.Hasnt been hospitalized in since I was born 39 years ago... no medical problems except blood pressure which is controlled for years. Could this be related to the anthesthia/meds during surgery and post op?

Answer
No but is more likely related to the surgery. She might have an infection at the prothesis and should be seen by the orthopod to rule that out. There is no reason the anesthesia should cause any of those symptoms.


Ronald Levy, MD
Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston