Anesthesia may mess with your memory – new study investigates

NCT ID NCT05991817

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This observational study at the University of Chile will test whether sevoflurane, a common general anesthetic, temporarily impairs spatial memory in 22 adults aged 30-50 undergoing elective gallbladder surgery. Participants will complete a virtual maze test and provide blood samples before and after surgery to measure memory changes and inflammation markers. The goal is to better understand how anesthesia affects the brain, not to test a new treatment.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

sevoflurane

What this could lead to

If it works, this could help doctors understand how anesthesia affects memory, potentially leading to ways to prevent memory problems after surgery.

What could go wrong

This is a very small observational study (22 people) that only looks at short-term memory effects. It cannot prove cause and effect, and results may not apply to all surgeries or patients.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Memory Disorders

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Centro de Investigación Cínica Avanzada (CICA), Hospital Clinico de la Universidad de Chile

    RECRUITING

    Santiago, RM, 7690306, Chile

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Hospital Clinico de la Universidad de Chile

    RECRUITING

    Santiago, RM, 7690306, Chile