A Comparative Study on Minimal Flow Anaesthesia in Geriatric and Middle-aged Patients

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Geriatric Medicine
• Surgical Care

Background:

• Minimal flow anesthesia offers cost savings and environmental benefits.
• It also provides respiratory protective effects.
• This technique's tolerability in different age groups requires investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the ease and tolerability of minimal flow anesthesia.
• To evaluate its application in geriatric versus middle-aged patients.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study of 80 patients undergoing abdominal surgery.
• Two groups: 40 middle-aged (18-50 years) and 40 geriatric (≥65 years).
• Minimal flow anesthesia (350 mL/min desflurane in O2/air) with BIS monitoring (40-50).

Main Results:

• Anesthesia depth and oxygenation were maintained safely in both groups.
• Geriatric patients required significantly fewer fresh gas oxygen concentration adjustments (1.1±0.8 vs 1.8±1.2, P=0.006).
• Desflurane concentration changes did not differ between groups.

Conclusions:

• Minimal flow anesthesia at 350 mL/min is feasible in geriatric patients.
• It requires less manipulation compared to younger adults.
• The technique is safe, avoiding hypoxia and inadvertent awareness.