effects of general anesthesia

Have you researched whether some anesthetic agents are less toxic to the brain than others? Maybe you could also talk to the anesthesiologist, sometimes that's possible. Another idea, could this surgery be done with an epidural?

@newtonmiz

Welcome to Mayo Connect. That would be a great question for your surgeon and/or anesthesiologist. I am sure they will review your medical conditions prior to surgery and discuss options.

I have a difficult airway, and prior to any surgery, I mention and discuss it with the anesthesiologist. Most of the time, they have already reviewed my previous surgery and are aware of.

Have you had general anesthesia before? Did you have any problems?

@newtonmiz: This is a very good and valid question as it has come up in discussion amongst people in my more recently retired age group. As @roch advised, discussing your concerns with the providers involved in your surgery is very important, especially in consideration of your other conditions. For instance, if you're on blood thinners for your A-fib, they may have you discontinue them for a period of time prior to your procedure. I also found this article published by Mayo to be helpful: https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/surgery-with-anesthesia-not-associated-with-indicator-of-alzheimers-disease-mayo-clinic-study-finds/