Expert: Dr Ian Jackson - please note UK based - 11/4/2006

Question
I had a hysterectomy a few days ago.  When I woke up from surgery I thought someone punched me in the mouth as my lip was swollen and cut.  I was told I bit my lip where the tube went into my mouth.  I have had anesthesia a few other times and never had this problem.  It's healing slowly.  Did I have too much anesthesia, not watched properly by the Dr/nurse?  Why would this happen?  Is this a common problem?

Answer
Hi there Ann
I am sorry to hear about your problem following your anaesthetic. This can happen during surgery but is unusual. It is likley that during your anaesthetic they inserted a tube (endotracheal tube) into your windpipe (trachea). This is done so they can connect you to a machine to do your breathing for you while you are paralysed for the operation. Very occasionally the anaesthetist can catch your lip while putting this tube in or sometimes when it is coming out at the end the patient can bite on this tube as they regain consciousness and catch their lip. Basically even in the best hands it happens occasionally but they should apologise for the discomfort caused and explain why it happened.
I hope this helps.
Kind regards
Dr Ian Jackson