Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 2/20/2010

Question
Over the last 3 years I have required aneathesiology 13 times for a recurring bladder neck stenosis. It has been about every 90 days.  What side effects can this cause?  Since I've had these procedures so often, and for so long, I don't know what normal would be.

Answer
There have not been many studies on the effects of multiple anesthetics but, in general, there are no known side effects. There have been some reports of memory loss (mostly in older individuals) but this has never been fully substantiated. I do know that the American Society of Anesthesiologists has started looking at this issue, so over the next few years we should have better answers to this question.


Ronald Levy, MD
Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston