Expert: Dr Ian Jackson - please note UK based - 12/16/2007

Question
Dear Doctor,

I had surgery last Wednesday to remove metal etc in sacral area.  After a major motor vehicle accident some 20 years ago, I have had over 30+ surgeries. I have a small airway and mentioned this to the anasthesist prior to surgery.  Unfortunately, I vomited (with blood for the first 12 hours post surgery and they couldn't get my pain under control. It was more neck and brain/head area, despite the surgery being lower spinal.  It is now 5 days after surgery and my throat has not improved. My uvula is clearly still swollen although the chocking feeling is probably not as constant as it was yesterday.  What is most concerning is that swollowing anything, even water is still quite painful and I had expected this to improve over the past few days.  The burning sensation as I swollow even soft food appears to be worse today.  I have gargled with salt water etc and pain meds include toradol (ketarolac 30mg IM daily) and diagesic.  I had thought swelling/inflammation usually resolved in 3 days.  How long will this continue and should I go back to hospital?

Answer
Suzanne
It is unusual for the sore throat to continue for so long and I believe you are doing the right things by gargling with salt water etc. Gargling with soluble aspirin may help the discomfort also. If this does not settle in the next 48 hours or if it starts getting worse then please go back to your doctors.
It could be caused either by the airway technique used by your anaesthetist or by the acid you vomited afterwards.
I hope it settles soon.
DR Ian Jackson