Comparison of two different forms of sevoflurane for anaesthesia maintenance and recovery

Sevoflurane is a commonly used inhalation agent. There are two forms of sevoflurane in Turkey. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of original versus generic sevoflurane products on hemodynamics, time to reach 1 MAC level, inspired and expired sevoflurane levels and postoperative recovery profile.

Seventy patients undergoing general anaesthesia were divided into two groups as Group Sevo or Group Sojo. After intravenous induction of anaesthesia (with the same drugs in both groups), inhalation anaesthetic was started. Hemodynamic parameters, Bispectral index (BIS), time to reach 1MAC level, inspired and expired sevoflurane levels, % vaporizer concentration of sevoflurane, additional remifentanil doses were recorded. In the awakening period, decreasing times of MAC 0.5, 0.4, 0.3, BIS levels, sedation-agitation and Aldrete scores were recorded.

The time to reach 1MAC level was shorter in Group Sevo than in Group Sojo (p=0.01). The fractions of inspired sevoflurane levels were higher at 4, 6, 8, 10, 15, 30, 35, 45. minutes, the fractions of expired sevoflurane levels were higher at 4, 6, 8, 10, 15, 20. minutes in Group Sevo (p < 0.05). In the awakening period and postoperatively, there were no differences in recorded parameters between the groups.

Although there are differences in maintenance period of the anaesthesia, the two products seem to be comparable routine anaesthesia practice. But further studies are needed to enhance our knowledge.