EXPERT
Dr. Mahmood Tabatabai, M.D.
Anesthesiologist
Dr. Mahmood Tabatabai is an anesthesiologist practicing in Philadelphia, , PA. Dr. Tabatabai ensures the safety of patients who are about to undergo surgery. Anestesiologists specialize in general anesthesia, which will (put the patient to sleep), sedation, which will calm the patient or make him or her unaware of the situation, and regional anesthesia, which just numbs a specific part of the body. As an anesthesiologist, Dr. Tabatabai also might help manage pain after an operation.
61 years
Experience
Dr. Mahmood Tabatabai, M.D.
- Philadelphia,, PA
- Shiraz University of Medical Sciences
- Accepting new patients
No results found
Does local anesthesia raise blood sugar?
Hi.
The answer is NO.
Sincerely,
The answer is NO.
Sincerely,
Is anesthesia safe for diabetics?
Hi. Anesthesia is safe for diabetics. But, the blood sugar should be checked before, during, and after the surgery to make sure it is in the safe range. If the blood sugar is READ MORE
Hi.
Anesthesia is safe for diabetics. But, the blood sugar should be checked before, during, and after the surgery to make sure it is in the safe range. If the blood sugar is above a certain level (decided by your anesthesiologist ), the surgical procedure should be postponed until the blood sugar is brought to acceptable level .
Sincerely.
M. Tabatabai, MD
Anesthesia is safe for diabetics. But, the blood sugar should be checked before, during, and after the surgery to make sure it is in the safe range. If the blood sugar is above a certain level (decided by your anesthesiologist ), the surgical procedure should be postponed until the blood sugar is brought to acceptable level .
Sincerely.
M. Tabatabai, MD
Does dental anesthesia have side effects?
Hi. Like any other type of anesthesia, if it is done correctly, it is safe, and provides a state of no feeling, and no pain at the site of the procedure. Nevertheless, there are READ MORE
Hi.
Like any other type of anesthesia, if it is done correctly, it is safe, and provides a state of no feeling, and no pain at the site of the procedure. Nevertheless, there are times, like any other types of anesthesia, unwanted complications may happen, which can easily be taken care of.
Good luck.
Sincerely,
M. Tabatabai, MD
Like any other type of anesthesia, if it is done correctly, it is safe, and provides a state of no feeling, and no pain at the site of the procedure. Nevertheless, there are times, like any other types of anesthesia, unwanted complications may happen, which can easily be taken care of.
Good luck.
Sincerely,
M. Tabatabai, MD
Is topical anesthetic effective?
Hi,
It depends on the type of surgery and the extent of surgery. It works well for proper cases and suitable procedures. No pain, no ill effects, quick recovery, and safe.
Good READ MORE
Hi,
It depends on the type of surgery and the extent of surgery. It works well for proper cases and suitable procedures. No pain, no ill effects, quick recovery, and safe.
Good luck,
M. Tabatabai, MD
It depends on the type of surgery and the extent of surgery. It works well for proper cases and suitable procedures. No pain, no ill effects, quick recovery, and safe.
Good luck,
M. Tabatabai, MD
Is it common to wake up during a colonoscopy?
Hi,
It may happen. And it depends on how much anesthetic you receive for the colonoscopy. The more sleeping medicine you receive, the less chance of waking up during the procedure.
But READ MORE
Hi,
It may happen. And it depends on how much anesthetic you receive for the colonoscopy. The more sleeping medicine you receive, the less chance of waking up during the procedure.
But even if you wake up, your anesthesiologist or your nurse anesthetist may give you more sleeping medicine to put you back to sleep.
Good luck.
Sincerely,
M. Tabatabai, MD
It may happen. And it depends on how much anesthetic you receive for the colonoscopy. The more sleeping medicine you receive, the less chance of waking up during the procedure.
But even if you wake up, your anesthesiologist or your nurse anesthetist may give you more sleeping medicine to put you back to sleep.
Good luck.
Sincerely,
M. Tabatabai, MD
Do you talk during conscious sedation?
Hi.
Yes, you may talk, respond to questions raised by your doctor or nurse, and even you can ask questions.
Sincerely,
Yes, you may talk, respond to questions raised by your doctor or nurse, and even you can ask questions.
Sincerely,
How long does it take to fall asleep with anesthesia?
If you are going to have general anesthesia, you will be given intravenous (inside the vein) medication(s), that makes you go to sleep in less than a minute. After you are sleep, READ MORE
If you are going to have general anesthesia, you will be given intravenous (inside the vein) medication(s), that makes you go to sleep in less than a minute. After you are sleep, the anesthesia and sleep is maintained with inhalational agents that you breathe in, and remain asleep until your operation is over. Then, the inhalational agent is turned off, and you wake up slowly from anesthesia.
Good luck.
Sincerely,
M. Tabatabai, MD, PhD
Good luck.
Sincerely,
M. Tabatabai, MD, PhD
How long does it take to feel normal after anesthesia?
Hi,
Thank you for your question.
When you receive general anesthesia for a surgical procedure, after the surgical procedure is finished, you are taken to the Post Anesthesia READ MORE
Hi,
Thank you for your question.
When you receive general anesthesia for a surgical procedure, after the surgical procedure is finished, you are taken to the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) for observation and recovery from general anesthesia. The shorter the duration of the anesthesia, the faster is the wake up time in the PACU. But generally it is within the first 30 minutes after the procedure that you will be awake enough to answer questions or to see a visitor, or to ask a question. And you will be discharged from PACU to your room in the hospital , or you may be sent home.
You will be advised not to make any decisions for the next 24 hours, and not to operate any machinery either.
I wish you the best with your surgical procedure and your anesthesia care.
Sincerely,
M. Tabatabai, MD
Thank you for your question.
When you receive general anesthesia for a surgical procedure, after the surgical procedure is finished, you are taken to the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) for observation and recovery from general anesthesia. The shorter the duration of the anesthesia, the faster is the wake up time in the PACU. But generally it is within the first 30 minutes after the procedure that you will be awake enough to answer questions or to see a visitor, or to ask a question. And you will be discharged from PACU to your room in the hospital , or you may be sent home.
You will be advised not to make any decisions for the next 24 hours, and not to operate any machinery either.
I wish you the best with your surgical procedure and your anesthesia care.
Sincerely,
M. Tabatabai, MD
Is knee arthroscopy done under general anesthesia?
Hi,
Knee Arthroscopy can be done under general anesthesia, regional anesthesia (that is spinal anesthesia or epidural anesthesia), under nerve blocks in the groin (femoral and READ MORE
Hi,
Knee Arthroscopy can be done under general anesthesia, regional anesthesia (that is spinal anesthesia or epidural anesthesia), under nerve blocks in the groin (femoral and obturator nerves) and evening under local anesthesia of the knee. The surgeons may have preference for one technique or the other, or depending how much surgery may have to do for a particular patient. Also, it depends how comfortable the anesthesiologist feels in doing those techniques.
Wish you the best,
M. Tabatabai, MD
Knee Arthroscopy can be done under general anesthesia, regional anesthesia (that is spinal anesthesia or epidural anesthesia), under nerve blocks in the groin (femoral and obturator nerves) and evening under local anesthesia of the knee. The surgeons may have preference for one technique or the other, or depending how much surgery may have to do for a particular patient. Also, it depends how comfortable the anesthesiologist feels in doing those techniques.
Wish you the best,
M. Tabatabai, MD
Why can't I urinate after anesthesia?
Hi. It is not uncommon to have delayed urination or difficult urination after anesthesia, whether general anesthesia, spinal anesthesia, or epidural anesthesia. Some pre-existing READ MORE
Hi.
It is not uncommon to have delayed urination or difficult urination after anesthesia, whether general anesthesia, spinal anesthesia, or epidural anesthesia.
Some pre-existing conditions such as benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) (Prostate Enlargement ) or use of narcotics such as morphine make this condition more prevalent .
The reason is that the anesthesia affects the nerves that control urinary bladder and its normal function, leading to urinary retention and delayed bladder emptying.
Some early trial on the part of the patient to empty the bladder even when there is no sense of need to do so, or some medications called alpha blockers help to urinate sooner than later. If nothing helps , and the bladder feels full, then a sterile plastic catheter should be inserted into the bladder via the urethra under sterile conditions by the nursing-medical staff to drain the urine while the patient is still in the post operative care unit (PACU), and before the patient is sent to the Hospital Room , or discharged home.
With best wishes.
M. Tabatabai, MD
It is not uncommon to have delayed urination or difficult urination after anesthesia, whether general anesthesia, spinal anesthesia, or epidural anesthesia.
Some pre-existing conditions such as benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) (Prostate Enlargement ) or use of narcotics such as morphine make this condition more prevalent .
The reason is that the anesthesia affects the nerves that control urinary bladder and its normal function, leading to urinary retention and delayed bladder emptying.
Some early trial on the part of the patient to empty the bladder even when there is no sense of need to do so, or some medications called alpha blockers help to urinate sooner than later. If nothing helps , and the bladder feels full, then a sterile plastic catheter should be inserted into the bladder via the urethra under sterile conditions by the nursing-medical staff to drain the urine while the patient is still in the post operative care unit (PACU), and before the patient is sent to the Hospital Room , or discharged home.
With best wishes.
M. Tabatabai, MD
Can I take painkillers after local anesthetic?
Hi. Yes, you can take pain killers after local anesthetic if you have pain. Your anesthesiologist or your physician who recommended the local anesthetic (either for surgery or READ MORE
Hi.
Yes, you can take pain killers after local anesthetic if you have pain. Your anesthesiologist or your physician who recommended the local anesthetic (either for surgery or for pain relief) can further guide you on this issue.
Sincerely,
M. Tabatabai, MD
Yes, you can take pain killers after local anesthetic if you have pain. Your anesthesiologist or your physician who recommended the local anesthetic (either for surgery or for pain relief) can further guide you on this issue.
Sincerely,
M. Tabatabai, MD
How do you get rid of numbness from lidocaine?
It is a matter of time. From the site of injection, or from the site of application, it will be taken up by the blood circulation and metabolized. Sincerely, M. Tabatabai, MD READ MORE
It is a matter of time. From the site of injection, or from the site of application, it will be taken up by the blood circulation and metabolized.
Sincerely,
M. Tabatabai, MD
Sincerely,
M. Tabatabai, MD
Can anesthesia stay in your system for months?
Hi,
The answer is: NO.
With best wishes,
M. Tabatabai, MD, PhD
The answer is: NO.
With best wishes,
M. Tabatabai, MD, PhD
How long do root nerve block injections last?
Hi. Good question. For any nerve block, including nerve root blocks, the duration of the block depends upon the type of local anesthetic used. The common local Anesthetics used READ MORE
Hi. Good question.
For any nerve block, including nerve root blocks, the duration of the block depends upon the type of local anesthetic used.
The common local Anesthetics used for nerve blocks are Lidocaine, and Bupivacaine. Lidocaine anesthetic duration is shorter about 30 to 45 minutes. With Bupivacaine, the block lasts an hour to two.
The more the volume of the local anesthetic, and the more the concentration of the local anesthetic, the longer will be the duration of the nerve block.
With best wishes.
M. Tabatabai, MD, PhD
For any nerve block, including nerve root blocks, the duration of the block depends upon the type of local anesthetic used.
The common local Anesthetics used for nerve blocks are Lidocaine, and Bupivacaine. Lidocaine anesthetic duration is shorter about 30 to 45 minutes. With Bupivacaine, the block lasts an hour to two.
The more the volume of the local anesthetic, and the more the concentration of the local anesthetic, the longer will be the duration of the nerve block.
With best wishes.
M. Tabatabai, MD, PhD
Can you walk after a nerve block?
Hi,
You can walk, but it may take some time before you can safely walk. When foot nerve block is done, sensory nerves, as well as motor nerves are blocked. So, you lose sensation READ MORE
Hi,
You can walk, but it may take some time before you can safely walk. When foot nerve block is done, sensory nerves, as well as motor nerves are blocked. So, you lose sensation in the foot, and you lose also movement activity in the foot. But there is recovery with time. The recovery duration varies according to the type of local anesthetic used, the amount and concentration of local anesthetic used, and the reason for the block. But recovery will take place. If the reason for the foot nerve block is to eliminate pain, a less concentrated local anesthetic may only block sensation without affecting the movement much.
You can walk, but it may take some time before you can safely walk. When foot nerve block is done, sensory nerves, as well as motor nerves are blocked. So, you lose sensation in the foot, and you lose also movement activity in the foot. But there is recovery with time. The recovery duration varies according to the type of local anesthetic used, the amount and concentration of local anesthetic used, and the reason for the block. But recovery will take place. If the reason for the foot nerve block is to eliminate pain, a less concentrated local anesthetic may only block sensation without affecting the movement much.
Will my daughter's tonsil surgery be postponed?
Hi,
You state the tonsillectomy for your 14-year-old daughter was scheduled for mid-May. If the surgery has not been done yet, out of abundance of caution, you may wait longer READ MORE
Hi,
You state the tonsillectomy for your 14-year-old daughter was scheduled for mid-May. If the surgery has not been done yet, out of abundance of caution, you may wait longer to mitigate the Corona Pandemic, unless there is a good reason to do the surgery soon. For example, if the tonsils are too large that make breathing difficult, or if there is an abscess around or on the tonsils, it is better to operate now without waiting any longer.
Wish you and your daughter the best,
M. Tabatabai, MD
You state the tonsillectomy for your 14-year-old daughter was scheduled for mid-May. If the surgery has not been done yet, out of abundance of caution, you may wait longer to mitigate the Corona Pandemic, unless there is a good reason to do the surgery soon. For example, if the tonsils are too large that make breathing difficult, or if there is an abscess around or on the tonsils, it is better to operate now without waiting any longer.
Wish you and your daughter the best,
M. Tabatabai, MD
What kind of anesthesia is used for a lumpectomy?
Hi,
Local, regional, and general anesthesia may be used for lumpectomy. The choice of anesthesia depends on the size and location of the lump to be removed. If the size is small, READ MORE
Hi,
Local, regional, and general anesthesia may be used for lumpectomy. The choice of anesthesia depends on the size and location of the lump to be removed. If the size is small, the best is to use local anesthesia. If it is a large size lump, and it is in the lower extremities (legs and thighs), spinal anesthesia or general anesthesia may be used. Since you are a female, and it is possible the lump may be in the breast, now depending on the size of the lump, local anesthesia for removal of small size lumps, and general anesthesia for removal of large size lumps may be used. Similarly, if the lump is on the neck, chest wall, or abdominal wall, or on the back, depending on the size of the lump, local or general anesthesia may be used to remove the lump.
With best wishes,
M. Tabatabai, MD
Local, regional, and general anesthesia may be used for lumpectomy. The choice of anesthesia depends on the size and location of the lump to be removed. If the size is small, the best is to use local anesthesia. If it is a large size lump, and it is in the lower extremities (legs and thighs), spinal anesthesia or general anesthesia may be used. Since you are a female, and it is possible the lump may be in the breast, now depending on the size of the lump, local anesthesia for removal of small size lumps, and general anesthesia for removal of large size lumps may be used. Similarly, if the lump is on the neck, chest wall, or abdominal wall, or on the back, depending on the size of the lump, local or general anesthesia may be used to remove the lump.
With best wishes,
M. Tabatabai, MD
Are elective procedures requiring anesthesia being postponed?
Hi. Not necessarily. In some hospitals, the elective surgical procedures have resumed, and in some, they are still on hold. Areas, States, and Cities least or less affected by READ MORE
Hi.
Not necessarily. In some hospitals, the elective surgical procedures have resumed, and in some, they are still on hold. Areas, States, and Cities least or less affected by the Corona Virus are doing the elective surgeries.
With best wishes.
M. Tabatabai, MD
Not necessarily. In some hospitals, the elective surgical procedures have resumed, and in some, they are still on hold. Areas, States, and Cities least or less affected by the Corona Virus are doing the elective surgeries.
With best wishes.
M. Tabatabai, MD
Why can't you get an epidural with low platelets?
When the platelet count is low, there is a chance of bleeding during epidural placement of the needle and catheter. The bleeding in the epidural space causes complications including READ MORE
When the platelet count is low, there is a chance of bleeding during epidural placement of the needle and catheter. The bleeding in the epidural space causes complications including paralysis and sensory loss in the in the lower extremities.
The platelet count may be brought back to normal level with platelet transfusion to make it safe to do epidural anesthesia.
Any medication that works against the platelet function such as acetyl salicylic acid (Aspirin) or clopidogrel (Plavix) has to be discontinued for a week before epidural anesthesia.
The platelet count may be brought back to normal level with platelet transfusion to make it safe to do epidural anesthesia.
Any medication that works against the platelet function such as acetyl salicylic acid (Aspirin) or clopidogrel (Plavix) has to be discontinued for a week before epidural anesthesia.
How long does it take a child to wake up from anesthesia?
This is a good question. Generally, the shorter the duration of general anesthesia, the faster is the wake up time from the anesthesia. Duration of anesthesia depends on the duration READ MORE
This is a good question. Generally, the shorter the duration of general anesthesia, the faster is the wake up time from the anesthesia. Duration of anesthesia depends on the duration of surgery. So, if the surgical procedure is a short one, wake up time from anesthesia will be short as well. But as an example, if the surgical procedure takes half an hour, the wake up time from anesthesia will be 10 to 15 minutes depending on the child‘s age. It is best to observe the child in the recovery room after wake up from anesthesia to ensure full recovery from anesthesia.
