Comparison of sevoflurane with halothane in pediatric ambulatory anesthesia: an experience in Taiwan
Chong, Z.K.; Jawan, B.; Poon, Y.Y.; Lee, J.H.
Acta Anaesthesiologica Sinica 35(1): 21-24
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0254-1319 PMID: 9212477 Document Number: 475709
Sevoflurane, with blood/gas partition coefficient of 0.69 and MAC of 1.76 is a fast acting, potent inhalation anesthetic. Its suitability and safety for pediatric ambulatory anesthesia were assessed and compared with that of halothane. Thirty two unpremedicated pediatric patients undergoing elective herniorrhaphy on day-surgery basis were randomly allocated to 2 groups of equal number to receive either sevoflurane or halothane anesthesia. Employing mask technique, anesthesia was induced with 60% nitrous oxide and 3 MAC of either sevoflurane or halothane in oxygen. Anesthesia was maintained respectively with 1-1.5 MAC of sevoflurane or halothane. The induction time, emergence time and untoward effects during anesthesia were analyzed and compared. It was shown that both the induction time and emergence time were significantly shorter in patients receiving sevoflurane. None had major complications. The results strongly suggest that sevoflurane is preferable to halothane for pediatric ambulatory anesthesia.