RESUMEN
This study compared the stages of induction, condition of LMA [Laryngeal Mask Airway], insertion, haemodynamic effects and emergence from anaesthesia of sevoflurane with those of propofol in forty unpremedicated ASA I or II patients aged between 20-52 years old, scheduled for minor elective surgery for which the use of the Laryngeal Mask Airway [LMA] was considered appropriate. Patients were divided equally into two groups of twenty patients each to receive one of the following induction technique: group I [propofol group] received propofol 3 mg / kg mixed with 2 ml 1% lignocaine and group II [sevoflurane group] received 7- 8% sevoflurane gas induction in 50% nitrous oxide in oxygen. After induction of anaesthesia and loss of the eyelash reflex, introduction of the LMA was attempted by an experienced anaesthestist. Jaw opening, ease of LMA insertion, coughing, gagging, airway obstruction and patient movement were graded by anaesthetist inserting the LMA. From this study we found that the time to loss of eyelash reflex was shorter in propofol group 46 +/- 11s vs 58 +/- 16s in sevoflurane group [p > 0.05], time taken for LMA insertion was 86 +/- 22s and 126 +/- 56s in propofol and sevoflurane groups respectively [p < 0.01], sevoflurane has a slightly slower induction time with reduced incidence of apnea. The condition for laryngeal mask insertion was assessed as excellent, satisfactory or poor on the basis of total score in each group. The result was Poor in 3 [15%] patients in propofol group in comparison with 1 [5%] patient in sevoflurane group, satisfactory conditions were observed in 7 [35%] patients in propofol group vs 6 patients [30%] in sevoflurane group and excellent in 10 [50%] patients in propofol group in comparison with 13 [65%] patients in sevoflurane group [p >0.05]. Haemodynamically, sevoflurane produced a minimal decrease in the heart rate and systolic blood pressure. Postoperatively, sevoflurane has a slower emergence from anaesthesia as compared to propofol, but no differences were noted in discharge times. From these results we concluded that 7-8% sevoflurane with 50% nitrous oxide in oxygen may be a useful alternative to propofol for safe induction, laryngeal mask insertion and recovery