Sevoflurane for ENT-surgery in children. A comparison with halothane

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Pediatric Medicine
• Surgical Care

Background:

• Sevoflurane is a modern volatile anesthetic agent with significant potential in pediatric anesthesia.
• Halothane has been a traditional choice for pediatric anesthesia, but its use is associated with certain risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy and safety of sevoflurane with halothane for anesthesia in children undergoing ENT surgery.
• To evaluate hemodynamic stability, respiratory parameters, and postoperative outcomes between the two anesthetic agents.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study involving 40 children undergoing ENT surgery, with 18 receiving halothane and 22 receiving sevoflurane.
• Anesthesia was induced via mask with spontaneous respiration, and vital signs (SpO2, RR, HR, blood pressure, ECG) were monitored.
• Equianesthetic concentrations were used, and induction characteristics were assessed.

Main Results:

• Sevoflurane induction was comparable to halothane, but sevoflurane maintained higher heart rate and systolic blood pressure.
• Cardiac arrhythmias were significantly less frequent with sevoflurane (5%) compared to halothane (61%).
• Postoperative nausea and vomiting were more common after halothane, while postoperative excitement was reduced with sevoflurane when paracetamol was given during premedication.

Conclusions:

• Sevoflurane is an effective induction and maintenance agent for pediatric ENT surgery, providing better cardiovascular stability than halothane.
• Sevoflurane demonstrates a lower incidence of cardiac arrhythmias and reduced postoperative nausea and vomiting compared to halothane.