[Convulsive seizure after craniotomy--comparison of isoflurane anesthesia and sevoflurane anesthesia]

The incidence of postoperative convulsive seizure was compared retrospectively during either isoflurane or sevoflurane anesthesia in patients after craniotomy. Overall, 5 of a total of 125 patients suffered convulsive seizures after craniotomy: 2 (4%) of 45 patients with isoflurane anesthesia and 3 (4%) of 80 patients with sevoflurane anesthesia. No significant differences were observed between these two groups. The duration of anesthesia and duration of the MAC.h were similar between these two groups. The occurrence of postoperative convulsive seizure was not related with the inhalational anesthetic agents, the underlying disorders and patient characteristics. It is suggested that either isoflurane or sevoflurane anesthesia in neurosurgical patients may have no specific relationship with the postoperative convulsive seizures.