Low-flow sevoflurane reduces anaesthesia costs

Abstract

T he rapid uptake and elimination of volatile anaesthetics such as sevoflurane means that these agents are convenient for induction and maintenance of general anaesthesia in adults and children. In the current economic climate, strategies to reduce drug costs associated with anaesthesia are becoming increasingly important. The amount of volatile agent used, and therefore the cost of the anaesthetic procedure, is directly proportional to the rate of fresh gas flow used during the surgical procedure. Consequently, reducing the rate of flow is a simple way to reduce the cost of anaesthesia, as long as other risks (e.g. haemodynamic) are managed. Several presentations focused on the cost implications of reduced flow sevoflurane administration at the International Anaesthesia Research Society 72nd Clinical and Scientific Congress [ Orlando, US; March 1998 ].