Comparative Study of Intravenous vs Inhalational Maintenance Anaesthesia on Postoperative Emergence Agitation and...

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Emergence agitation (EA) is a frequent complication following general anesthesia.
• EA can negatively impact patient recovery and lead to self-harm.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effects of intravenous propofol versus inhalational sevoflurane on postoperative emergence agitation.
• To assess the impact of these anesthetic techniques on other recovery metrics.

Main Methods:

• A study involving 100 patients undergoing elective surgery under general anesthesia.
• Patients were randomized to receive either intravenous propofol or inhalational sevoflurane for maintenance anesthesia.
• Emergence agitation was assessed using the Riker Sedation-Agitation Scale; recovery parameters including extubation time, orientation, and PONV were recorded.

Main Results:

• The incidence of emergence agitation was significantly lower in the propofol group (10%) compared to the sevoflurane group (30%).
• Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) occurred more frequently in the sevoflurane group (25%) versus the propofol group (10%).
• While extubation and orientation times were slightly faster with sevoflurane, the differences were not statistically significant.

Conclusions:

• Intravenous propofol anesthesia is associated with a reduced incidence of emergence agitation and PONV compared to inhalational sevoflurane.
• Propofol may offer superior postoperative recovery quality in patients receiving general anesthesia.