Isoflurane, desflurane and sevoflurane for carotid endarterectomy

After carotid endarterectomy under general anaesthesia, the rapid elimination of desflurane and sevoflurane may allow earlier postoperative neurological assessment than after the use of isoflurane. However, desflurane may be associated with tachycardia and hypertension and may therefore increase cardiovascular risk. We investigated haemodynamic and recovery characteristics in patients scheduled for carotid endarterectomy who were anaesthetised with isoflurane, sevoflurane or desflurane. No significant peri-operative differences were noted in cardiac index or ST segment analysis. The times to extubation, movement on command and consciousness were shorter after desflurane and sevoflurane than after isoflurane anaesthesia. Postoperative pain, nausea, vomiting and shivering were similar in the three study groups.