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In Vitro Method to Control Concentrations of Halogenated Gases in Cultured Alveolar Epithelial Cells

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Published on: October 23, 2018

Volatile anesthetics and mucociliary clearance.

E Kesimci¹, S Bercin, A Kutluhan

¹Department of Anaesthesiology and Reanimation, Ataturk Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey. elvinku@yahoo.com

Minerva Anestesiologica

|March 21, 2008

Summary

This study found that common volatile anesthetics like sevoflurane, isoflurane, and desflurane do not significantly alter nasal mucociliary clearance in patients. Therefore, these anesthetic agents do not impact the nose's natural defense mechanism.

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Area of Science:

Anesthesiology
Respiratory Physiology

Background:

Nasal mucociliary clearance is a critical defense mechanism.
Volatile anesthetic agents are commonly used in general anesthesia.
The impact of sevoflurane, isoflurane, and desflurane on nasal mucociliary clearance requires evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the effect of sevoflurane, isoflurane, and desflurane on in vivo nasal mucociliary clearance.
To compare the impact of these three volatile agents on saccharin transit time (STT).

Main Methods:

Prospective, randomized, double-blind study involving 60 patients undergoing ear and neck surgery.
Patients received sevoflurane, isoflurane, or desflurane (1 MAC) after induction with propofol, remifentanil, and cis-atracurium.
Nasal mucociliary clearance assessed using in vivo saccharin transit time (STT) pre- and post-anesthesia.

Main Results:

Mean STT values were 9.1±4.3 min (sevoflurane), 6.7±2.8 min (isoflurane), and 7.1±3.1 min (desflurane).
No statistically significant differences in STT were observed among the three volatile anesthetic groups.
Mucociliary clearance remained unaffected by the tested volatile anesthetic agents.

Conclusions:

General anesthesia with sevoflurane, isoflurane, or desflurane does not modify nasal mucociliary clearance.
These volatile agents appear safe concerning the nasal epithelium's defense function.