Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 4/4/2009

Question
I had quad. bypass surgery 3 months ago.  I am still having problems with memory.  I don't know what type of anesthesia was given.  Had the surgery at Methodist Hospital,Houston and the surgery took 6 plus hours.  How long does this usually last?

Answer
There are a variety of reasons for memory loss (not all related to anesthesia). Being on bypass is one, long stay in the ICU is another. Is your meomory loss antegrade (meaning going forward) or do you just not remember the time period around the operation. If the later, is probably won't go away (this was the intention). If it is antegrade, then you should be seen by a neurologist for followup.

Ronald Levy, MD
Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston