Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 12/6/2008

Question
Hello,

Recently I discovered my aunt on my dad's side (who is only his half sister-same mother not father) experienced an episode of malignant hyperthermia during breast surgery.  I am scheduled to have surgery soon to have my meniscus repaired and some free floating chips removed in my knee.  I have had multiple surgeries previously with no problems, but I know the pre-op people expressed some concern regarding it.  What I am curious is what is the potential of developing a problem at age 28 after having multiple uneventful surgeries, and would you consider it an increased risk and if so, what can or will be done to minimize those risks?  Thank you for your information.

Answer
If you have already had multiple surgeries, the liklihood is that you are not susceptible to malignant hyperthermia. That is, of course, assuming that you have had general anesthesia (since volatile agent is the inducing agent). All the preop people are naturally going to get their antennae up if they hear a family history of MH because it is very rare and can be very dangerous. Just let them know that you have had previous surgeries w/o complications and it should be OK.

Ronald Levy, MD
Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston