Low flow desflurane and sevoflurane anaesthesia in children.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Low flow desflurane and sevoflurane anaesthesia were administered to children and compared for haemodynamic response, renal and hepatic function, recovery time and postoperative nausea and vomiting.

METHODS

Eighty ASA I-II patients aged 5-15 yr were included in the study. Midazolam was given for premedication. Anaesthesia induction was performed with fentanyl, propofol and atracurium. After intubation, the first group received desflurane, oxygen and nitrous oxide at 6 L min(-1) and the second sevoflurane, oxygen and nitrous oxide at 6L min(-1). Ten minutes after induction the flow was decreased to 1 L min(-1) in both groups. Haemodynamic parameters, preoperative and postoperative renal and hepatic function, the times of operation and anaesthesia, and early recovery data were recorded. Modified Aldrete scores were noted at the 10th and 30th minutes postoperatively and postoperative nausea, and vomiting were assessed.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in haemodynamic parameters, renal and hepatic functions, postoperative recovery and postoperative nausea and vomiting between groups. The recovery time was shorter in the desflurane group compared to the sevoflurane group.

CONCLUSION

Low flow desflurane and sevoflurane anaesthesia do not adversely affect haemodynamic parameters, hepatic and renal function in children. Desflurane may be preferred when early recovery from anaesthesia is warranted.