Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 12/10/2006

Question
Hi I had a hysterectomy twelve days ago and when I woke up my bottom lip was numb and still is. There was a water filled blister on the inside of the lip 3 days after the surgery,it popped and now my lip feels like it has been burned down deep and I getting very worried about it. It's not going away at all. The doctor told me the used a ellie mae laryngeal mask and it might be nerve compression but it feels more like a burn to me. Just wondering if you have ever heard anything like this before and what it might be.Very worried. Thanks

Answer
It is possible that the Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA) caused the problem if it was compressing your lip for a long period of time. You are more accurate in describing it as a blister, etc. The lip should heal (assuming it has not gotten infected) over time but if you notice any pus, discoloration or it gets worse, you should have it checked out by your anesthesiologist or surgeon.

Ronald Levy, MD
Associate Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston