Does anesthesia linger in system after major surgery?'

Maybe: Typically for a major surgery, you will receive more anesthesia than for a minor surgery. However, there are many factors that will determine how long it stays, including body composition and type of anesthesia used for the surgery.

Yes, for awhile: How long depends on the procedure length, complexity, amount and number of anesthetic agents given, level of lover/kidney/heart functioning capacities, interaction with medications one takes routinely...As you see, there is not a single answer. Generally, however, the shortest-acting drugs are selected to assure comfort, safety, and quicker wake-up times.