Anesthesiology Questions Anesthesiologist

Can general anesthesia affect idiopathic peripheral neuropathy?

I've had some idiopathic peripheral neuropathy in both legs for a number of years. It's worse in the left leg but is tolerable. Two weeks ago I had a ureterectomy with laser lithotripsy to remove a kidney stone. I received general anesthesia during the operation. Since the surgery, the neuropathy has gotten much worse. I have cramps like Charley horses in both calves and the outside of the calves, and in both hands. When I lay in bed I can feel tingling and tremors in my calves and feet. Could the anesthesia have caused this severe a flare-up? If so, given time might it go away on its own, or should I see someone? I went to my internist and he thought it might be the result of dehydration and the general trauma of the kidney stone and the surgery. But I'm pretty sure it's neurologically connected and not from something like dehydration.

Male | 62 years old
Complaint duration: 14 days
Medications: Mirtazapine 30 mg daily
Conditions: Idiopathic neuropathy

2 Answers

AnesthesiologyAnesthesiologist
The discomfort is probably an extension of the inflammation from ureteral manipulation and ensuring no bleeding as they were finishing the procedure and closingreconnecting the tissues. The ureters lie on the posterior surface of the abdominal cavity, very close to the spine and the nerves that come off the spine going down to the legs. Did you have a spinal anesthetic? An Epidural for posterior op. pain management? If not, there is little to No reason that a general anesthetic wouldcould be responsible for postoperative Localized pain. The original pathology and the Surgical manipulation of opening, removing the pathology and closing are much more likely responsible for your post. operative pain issues.
There is no known connection of neuropathy of any type with general anesthesia. However, the hormonal stress response to surgery can have an effect. Anesthesia can and should limit this response but suboptimal anesthesia may not. As always, recuperation after surgery involves getting back to normal activities of daily living, with rehab as prescribed too.