title: Pharmacoeconomic analysis of sevoflurane versus isoflurane anesthesia in elective ambulatory surgery.
abstract: This study investigated the economic aspects of sevoflurane and isoflurane anesthesia in 47 healthy women undergoing elective ambulatory surgery, as part of a randomized, prospective clinical trial. Patient records were analyzed for anesthetic; duration of surgery, anesthesia, and recovery room stay; and associated charges. Sevoflurane is shorter acting than isoflurane, but it was not associated with a shorter duration of anesthesia or surgical unit stay, or earlier hospital discharge. Total charges associated with sevoflurane anesthesia were greater than those for isoflurane ($2641 and $2230, respectively) and primarily related to prolonged anesthesia and surgical unit stay. A minor decrease in recovery room charges ($15) associated with earlier discharge was observed with sevoflurane (p>0.05), but the agent was not associated with lower hospital charges. Larger trials and assessment of other patient populations may show sevoflurane to be more pharmacoeconomically advantageous than isoflurane.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacy Practice and Administration, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA.
authors.forename: B K
authors.initials: BK
authors.lastname: Wagner
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: O'Hara
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000556:Ambulatory Surgical Procedures / Q000191:economics*; D000769:Anesthesia, Inhalation / Q000191:economics*; D018685:Anesthetics, Inhalation / Q000191:economics*; D004987:Ethers / Q000191:economics*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007530:Isoflurane / Q000191:economics*; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000191:economics; D008738:Methyl Ethers; D009873:Operating Rooms / Q000191:economics; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011997:Recovery Room / Q000191:economics; D000077149:Sevoflurane
chemical_list: D018685:Anesthetics, Inhalation; D004987:Ethers; D008738:Methyl Ethers; D000077149:Sevoflurane; D007530:Isoflurane