Cost comparison: a desflurane- versus a propofol-based general anesthetic technique

The purpose of this study was to compare the cost of a desflurane-based with a propofol-based general anesthetic technique. Fifty ambulatory orthopedic surgery patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups. Premedication and induction of anesthesia were standardized in both groups. In Group I patients, anesthesia was maintained with a propofol infusion and nitrous oxide-oxygen and in Group II patients, with desflurane-oxygen. The techniques used were identical to those routinely used with these drugs by our practitioners. The actual drug acquisition costs for the maintenance periods were calculated and compared, as was the duration of the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) stay (Phase I + Phase II). The drug acquisition cost for the maintenance period of general anesthesia with our desflurane-based technique was $11.24/h and for our propofol-based technique, $44.08/h. The length of PACU stay was not significantly different in the two groups. In conclusion, maintenance general anesthesia with our desflurane technique was considerably less expensive than with our propofol technique. PACU stay was not increased using desflurane as opposed to propofol in our study. Desflurane offers a cost effective alternative to propofol for ambulatory general anesthesia.