Apoptosis occurs in various physiological and pathological conditions. It is suggested that surgery and general anesthesia can induce apoptosis. This study compares the effect of isoflurane, sevoflurane and propofol on human cell apoptosis. Sixty patients scheduled for elective open cholecystectomy or recurrent hernia mesh repair were randomly allocated to receive propofol, isoflurane or sevoflurane for maintenance of anesthesia. Evaluating apoptosis was done by measuring caspase-3 activity and TRAIL levels in the three groups. We found that isoflurane is superior to sevoflurane and propofol in protecting against apoptosis.