Expert: Dr Ian Jackson - please note UK based - 1/8/2007

Question
(From UK)
Hi, I wonder if you can give me some advice regarding the amount or number of general anesthetics any one person should have and the long term affects.
After an accident in 1987, I have to this day had 10 generals ranging from minor ops inc tonsils, hernia repair to stomach, cyst removal from scrotum, to major ops on my leg as a result of the accident, including pin insertion and removals from femur to a variety on the main problem which is reconstruction of my right knee.
I have seen a surgeon again today, due to major problems with my knee and have a few options to consider, there is one he is willing to do under local (arthroscopy) to do some cleaning up, but the other is a major op to break my tibia/fibula which would be obviously mean a general.
I have received different comments from people about how many generals you should have and what affects it has long term, which I'd like to know more about.  But also for me, the last 2 ops I've had (especially the last one 7 years ago) my recovery was very worrying, I was the first one down to surgery and the last to come back up, I had real problems coming round and I was put on oxygen overnight.  I've never had that sort of reaction before.
This is really putting me off having an operation which could hugely change the stability of my knee (or not) as I clearly don't want to put myself at risk and my health.
I would really appreciate some facts from someone who knows as this obviously isn't a life threatening operation.
I understand there is always a risk with any general anesthetic, for me, its more a case of, if it goes well, am I putting my body under too much stress?
Thank you
(age 30 years)

Answer
I am sorry to hear that you have had so much exposure to the health service over the past few years and to anaesthetists in particular!
However I can reassure you there is no maximum limit to the number of general or local anaesthetics you can have. Many people have to have them on a regular basis every few months and do very well.
You are right to be concerned though as having any operation does expose you to risks and it is important to weigh these up. I would suggest that the risks for you would not be great and if you were to consider going ahead with the operation then you should ask your surgeon to let you meet the anaesthetist some weeks beforehand so you can chat through your concerns.
It is difficult to assess anything from your story about how long it took you to come round the last few times - there are so many different factors involved. In particular the size of the operation you were having. These are the things you could discuss with your anaesthetist locally, especially if this op is being planned at the same hospital as previous ops. This would mean they would have all your notes to look at.
I hope this helps a bit.
Dr Ian Jackson