Morbidity in minor gynaecological surgery: a comparison of halothane, enflurane and isoflurane

A comparison was made between halothane, enflurane and isoflurane with regard to their suitability for minor gynaecological procedures in patients who would be leaving the hospital within 24 h of the anaesthetic. Seventy-five healthy patients were randomly allotted to one of three groups which received one of these anaesthetics. In respect of patient acceptance and postoperative morbidity there were no significant differences between halothane and enflurane, but after isoflurane there was a significantly greater frequency of minor sequelae (headache, nausea, dizziness and coughing) and its pungent odour made it unacceptable to some patients.