Comparison of sevoflurane with halothane in pediatric ambulatory anesthesia: an experience in Taiwan.
BACKGROUND
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.


METHODS
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.


RESULTS
It was shown that both the induction time and emergence time were significantly shorter in patients receiving sevoflurane. None had major complications.


CONCLUSIONS
The results strongly suggest that sevoflurane is preferable to halothane for pediatric ambulatory anesthesia.
Chong
Z K
ZK
Department of Anesthesiology, Chang Gung Medical College, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, R.O.C.
Jawan
B
B
Poon
Y Y
YY
Lee
J H
JH
D000556:Ambulatory Surgical Procedures; D018685:Anesthetics, Inhalation / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004987:Ethers / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D006221:Halothane / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008738:Methyl Ethers; D000077149:Sevoflurane; D013997:Time Factors
D018685:Anesthetics, Inhalation; D004987:Ethers; D008738:Methyl Ethers; D000077149:Sevoflurane; D006221:Halothane