Introduction: DNA is continuously exposed to a variety of biological, chemical and physical agents that may alter its structure and modify its function. Anesthetic gases used in general anesthesia procedures have been claimed to cause genotoxicity.
Aim of the work: The present study aimed to evaluate the genotoxic effects of two commonly used anesthetic gases, isoflurane and sevoflurane after single exposure by RAPD PCR method.
Methodology: The study was carried out on 50 patients admitted to Sohag University Hospitals for different surgical indications and exposed to inhalation anesthetics for the first time.
Results: Obtained results revealed that the exposure to inhalation anesthetics led to DNA changes observed as a difference in the RAPD PCR pattern of the patient before and after exposure to the inhalation anesthetic. Eighty percent of patients exposed to inhalation anesthesia for the first time had a change in the RAPD PCR pattern in the form of band gain, increased band intensity, band loss, or decreased band intensity, however, isoflurane was less  mutagenic than sevoflurane .
Conclusion: Inhalation anesthetics had genotoxic effect detected by RAPD PCR method.
Recommendations: It is recommended to examine patients after a period of exposure to inhalation anesthesia to indicate whether the DNA changes are permanent or temporary. It is important to extend the research using large sample size and diferrent anesthesia protocols.