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

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Published on: September 24, 2020

Sevoflurane impairs post-operative olfactory memory but preserves olfactory function.

Georgia Kostopanagiotou¹, Konstantinos Kalimeris, Kyriakos Kesidis

¹2nd Department of Anaesthesiology, School of Medicine, University of Athens, Attikon Hospital, Athens, Greece.

European Journal of Anaesthesiology

|October 22, 2010

Summary

Sevoflurane anesthesia impaired olfactory memory post-surgery, unlike general or regional anesthesia. This effect may be linked to reduced melatonin levels, impacting smell interpretation.

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Area of Science:

Anesthesiology
Neuroscience
Sensory Science

Background:

The impact of anesthesia on olfaction remains understudied.
Investigating anesthesia's effects on smell is crucial for patient recovery.

Purpose of the Study:

To compare general and regional anesthesia effects on olfactory acuity and memory.
To assess immediate post-operative olfactory function after different anesthesia types.

Main Methods:

Sixty patients (ASA I-II) underwent elective surgery under epidural, propofol, or sevoflurane anesthesia.
Olfactory acuity and memory were tested pre- and post-operatively.
Plasma melatonin and oxytocin levels were measured.

Main Results:

Olfactory acuity remained unaffected across all groups.
Sevoflurane anesthesia significantly impaired olfactory memory compared to propofol and epidural anesthesia.
Post-operative melatonin levels decreased significantly in the sevoflurane group.

Conclusions:

Sevoflurane specifically impacts olfactory memory, unlike other anesthesia types.
Reduced melatonin levels may mediate sevoflurane's effect on smell interpretation post-surgery.