Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 29, 2026

Guidelines for Elective Pediatric Fiberoptic Intubation
11:19

Guidelines for Elective Pediatric Fiberoptic Intubation

Published on: January 17, 2011

Propofol decreases waste anesthetic gas exposure during pediatric bronchoscopy

Maria M Zestos1, Debashish Bhattacharya, Sankar Rajan

  • 1Department of Anesthesia, Children's Hospital of Michigan, 3901 Beaubien, Detroit, MI 48201, USA

The Laryngoscope
|February 3, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Adding propofol to halothane anesthesia for pediatric laryngobronchoscopy reduced anesthetic gas exposure. While propofol decreased operating room pollution, both methods exceeded safety limits, and propofol addition led to fewer airway complications.

Area of Science:

  • Anesthesiology
  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Occupational Health

Background:

  • Pediatric direct laryngobronchoscopy often requires anesthesia that ensures spontaneous ventilation and optimal surgical conditions.
  • Halothane has been a common anesthetic agent, but concerns exist regarding operating room pollution and patient safety.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare anesthetic gas exposure and operating conditions during insufflation anesthesia using halothane alone versus halothane with propofol in children undergoing direct laryngobronchoscopy.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized prospective study involving 46 children undergoing direct laryngobronchoscopy.
  • Anesthesia was maintained with spontaneous ventilation via insufflation, without muscle relaxants or opioids.
  • Groups received either halothane alone or halothane with titrated propofol; trace anesthetic gases, hemodynamics, and operating conditions were measured.

Main Results:

  • The propofol group exhibited significantly lower anesthetic gas exposure (25 ppm vs. 66 ppm in the halothane group; P < .02).
  • A trend towards earlier emergence was observed in the halothane-alone group (33 min vs. 41 min).
  • Postoperative stridor occurred in 30% of children, with fewer airway complications in the propofol group (P = .047).

Conclusions:

  • Insufflation anesthesia with spontaneous respiration provides excellent surgical conditions for laryngobronchoscopy.
  • Adding propofol to halothane anesthesia reduces operating room anesthetic gas pollution, though both methods exceeded NIOSH recommendations.
  • The addition of propofol was associated with fewer airway complications in pediatric patients.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Halogenated Agent Delivery in Porcine Model of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome via an Intensive Care Unit Type Device09:36

Halogenated Agent Delivery in Porcine Model of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome via an Intensive Care Unit Type Device

Published on: September 24, 2020

Related Concept Videos

Parenteral Anesthetics: Overview01:24

Parenteral Anesthetics: Overview

Intravenous anesthetics are drugs administered parenterally to induce anesthesia or sedation. Propofol is a widely used agent formulated as a 1% emulsion in soybean oil, glycerol, and egg phosphatide. It induces rapid anesthesia primarily due to its rapid distribution from the bloodstream to target tissues and is metabolized in the liver. However, it can cause significant pain on injection and hypertriglyceridemia. Fospropofol, a water-based prodrug of propofol, lacks these adverse effects.
Inhalational Anesthetics: Overview01:20

Inhalational Anesthetics: Overview

Inhalation anesthetics are drugs that induce general anesthesia upon inhalation. They work by increasing the sensitivity of GABAA receptors or inhibiting NMDA receptors, leading to a decrease in central nervous system activity. The depth of anesthesia can be rapidly adjusted by changing the concentration of the inhaled gas. Some common examples of inhalational anesthetics include volatile liquids like isoflurane, desflurane, sevoflurane and gases like xenon and nitrous oxide. Isoflurane, a...
Stages of General Anesthesia01:22

Stages of General Anesthesia

Various sedation levels offer significant advantages in facilitating procedural interventions for patients undergoing medical or invasive surgical procedures. These levels span from anxiolysis to general anesthesia, providing a spectrum of sedative effects to cater to specific patient needs. Anxiolysis reduces anxiety and is achieved through minimal sedation, enabling patients to remain awake and responsive while feeling more at ease during the procedure. This level can benefit minor...