Abstract
This study compares induction and recovery characteristics of desflurane and halothane in children undergoing elective outpatient surgery (hernia repair, circumcision and orchidopexy). Fifty‐six patients one month to 12 years of age were randomly assigned to one of three study groups. In addition to nitrous oxide, group I received desflurane (D) for induction and maintenance; group II received halothane (H) for induction and desflurane for maintenance; and group III received halothane for induction and maintenance. All patients received caudal blocks at the end of surgery. There was no significant difference in induction time (mean ± SD) among the three groups (1.7 ± 0.5, 1.7 ± 0.5 and 1.0 ± 0.5 min for groups I, II and III respectively). Airway complications (coughing, breath holding, and laryngospasm) were significantly higher among the children induced with desflurane than among either of the halothane induction groups. Premedication had no effect on reducing the number of airway complications. Emergence and recovery times (mean ± SD) were significantly shorter among both desflurane maintenance groups (3.6 ± 1.7 and 11 ± 8 min) than among the group maintained on halothane (7.9 ± 3.5 and 29.9 ± 10.6 min respectively). A brief halothane induction did not compromise the fast recovery characteristics of desflurane. There was no difference among the groups in time to discharge home (approx. 3 h). This study confirms the value of desflurane as a maintenance agent in paediatric anaesthesia. In our patients, a brief halothane induction did not compromise the fast recovery characteristics of desflurane.
Published Version
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