Comparision of desflurane and propofol for maintaining general anaesthesia in cataract surgery of elder patients

Abstract

Objective To compare the application of desflurane and propofol as maintenance anesthetics to maintain intraoperative haemodynamics and quality of recovery in elder patients during cataract surgery. Methods After consent form obtained, 60 elder patients, from Jan.2017 to Dec.2017 scheduled for cataract surgery were randomized into 2 groups, 30 cases in each group.The desflurane group (D group) received desflurane inhalation and the propofol group (P group) received propofol using effect-site target-controlled infusion (TCI). The adequate depth of anaesthesia were monitored with narcotrend to ensure equipotency of anaesthetic administration in both groups. The Narcotrend Index maintained between 40 and 55 by titrating the anaesthetic agents. Cardiovascular drug intervention, the time of spontaneous breathing, the time of awakening and recovery adverse events were analysed. Results There was no difference of the time of spontaneous respiration or awakening between the two groups(P>0.05). The times of cardiovascular drug intervention in D group were fewer than that of P group (t=2.32, P=0.03). However, the adverse events of nausea and vomiting in lucid interval in D group were significantly more than those of P group (t=2.47, P=0.04). Conclusion Application of desflurane maintains general anaesthesia in elder patients during cataract surgery. There is no difference in spontaneous respiration or awakening between the two groups. However, desflurane inhalation anesthesia provides more stable haemodynamics during the operation. Propofol total intravenous anesthesia provides significantly better quality of recovery than desflurane inhalation anesthesia. Key words: Desflurane; Propofol; Cataract surgery, elder patients; General anaesthesia; Recovery