Expert: Dr Ian Jackson - please note UK based - 11/11/2011

Question
QUESTION: Hi,
I would like your opinion on this....
2 weeks ago, I had a day surgery performed under sedation. I remember bits and pieces of my time in the OR. The thing is, every time I was coming out, I felt someone (the anaesthetist?)"rubbing" my cheek, at the corner of my lip. I didn't have any breathing device I checked on my medical record. Was I hallucinating or he was doing it on purpose?

Thank you

ANSWER: Hi Liz
Two possibilities. First it was the anaesthetist checking on your breathing by putting his hand close to your mouth and nose - that allows us to feel the breaths.
Second possibility is that there was a drape left rubbing just at that area.
I suspect the first - otherwise I am stumped for another explanation.
Dr Ian Jackson

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi again,
I did some more research and happened to find that you guys check on lip reflex to see how deep patients are during induction of GA (am I right?).
Is it sometimes use during sedation to?

Thank you

Answer
Sorry Liz
Never heard of that! Lid reflex - where we touch your eyelash and see if you respond we do use.
The only reflex around the mouth that I know of is the primitive 'rooting' reflex of babies towards a teat. Doesn't work in adults.
All the best
Dr Ian Jackson