Expert: Dr Ian Jackson - please note UK based - 1/14/2010

Question
I have an osteochondral lesion in my knee and it is likely that I will have to have surgery to repair it. I am however absolutely terrified of having to be put under because I fear I am one of those few individuals that will be allergic to anesthesia drugs and not wake up. Is there anything the doctors will/can do to determine if a person is a allergic to the drugs used in anesthesia? Because I have very against having surgery unless I know something fairly concrete or if I don't have to be put completely out. Hopefully you can help me with this. Thanks.

Answer
Maria
I sorry to hear about your fear of anaesthesia. For a knee procedure it is possible to do it under local anaesthetic technique - the easiest of which would be a spinal anaesthetic. This is where they inject a small dose of local anaesthetic into your back and this numbs your legs and lower tummy.

Now as to the fear and tests. It is unusual to be allergic to anaesthetic agents but it does happen. However we would not test someone unless we had a major concern due to history of problems with previous exposure. It is a complex procedure and you would have to be tested for lots of different drugs.

I hope this helps a bit, basically you need to talk to an anaesthetist at the hospital where you are going to have your operation so you can go through your fears.
Kind regards
Ian Jackson