Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 2/12/2008

Question
I had a general anaesthetic one one week ago for a laparoscopy, to investigate the spread of endometriosis.  Since then, my left leg has been tingling and feels numb, from hip to foot but more so in the inner/back leg area.  I have a kind of throbbing/gushing sensation in this whole leg area and my knee feels particularly painful, especially at the back.  Do you have any idea what could have caused this?  Prior to my hospital admission, my leg felt totally normal.

Answer
Without looking at your chart, etc, my first guess would be the position you were placed in for the procedure. Normally you are placed in lithotomy position with your legs in stirrups. If they were not careful how they did that it could cause pressure and damage to the nerves in your leg. Normally this is transient but you should be seen by a Neurologist to evaluate this further.

Ronald Levy, MD
Associate Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston