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Cost comparison: a desflurane- versus a propofol-based general anesthetic technique
M K Rosenberg1, P Bridge, M Brown
1Department of Anesthesiology, Sinai Hospital, Farmington Hills, Michigan.
Anesthesia and Analgesia
|November 1, 1994
Summary
Desflurane maintenance anesthesia is significantly more cost-effective than propofol for ambulatory surgery. This study found desflurane offers a cheaper alternative without increasing postanesthesia care unit (PACU) stay.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Pharmacoeconomics
Background:
- General anesthesia techniques vary in cost and patient outcomes.
- Ambulatory surgery requires efficient and cost-effective anesthetic management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the drug acquisition costs of desflurane-based versus propofol-based general anesthesia.
- To evaluate the impact of these techniques on postanesthesia care unit (PACU) stay duration.
Main Methods:
- Fifty ambulatory orthopedic surgery patients were randomized into two groups.
- Group I received propofol infusion, Group II received desflurane for anesthesia maintenance.
- Drug costs and PACU stay duration were calculated and compared.
Main Results:
- Desflurane maintenance anesthesia cost $11.24/hour, significantly less than propofol at $44.08/hour.
- There was no significant difference in PACU stay duration between the desflurane and propofol groups.
Conclusions:
- Desflurane maintenance general anesthesia is considerably less expensive than propofol.
- Desflurane provides a cost-effective alternative for ambulatory general anesthesia without prolonging PACU stay.