Enflurane as a primary anesthetic agent for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

For years, halothane has been the anesthetic agent of choice for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and reversible airway disease (asthma). Enflurane was compared with halothane in 100 patients with COPD substantiated by spirometry and history. Intraoperative and postoperative complications in each relatively homogenous 50-patient group were assessed. Spirometry, blood gases, chest x-rays, incidence of complications involving secretions, coughing, wheezing, and cardiovascular problems were similar in both groups. Enflurane appears to be equivalent to halothane as an anesthetic in such patients.