Comparison of induction and recovery charcteristics of sevoflurane and halothane in pediatric ansthesia

ABSTRACT

Forty children ASA I-II, aged 3-9 years scheduled for adenotonsillectomy were randomly divided into two equal groups [each group 20 patients] according to whether they induced and maintained with halothane and sevoflurane. The comparison was between the two groups as regards induction, recovery characteristics, hemodynamic changes as well as complications happened during induction and recovery. Anesthesia was induced using graded inhalation technique with either halothane up to 5% and sevoflurane up to 8%. Maintenance was achieved by 1.5-2% halothane and 1-4% sevoflurane. The times of induction and emergence were significantly shorter in sevoflurane as compared with halothane group. The better intubation conditions were observed in patients who received halothane anesthesia with no statistically significant difference. The hemodynamic changes were similar in both groups with improved cardiovascular profile in sevoflurane group. There was no significant difference between the two groups as regards airway complications during induction and recovery. The conclusion of the study is that sevoflurane could be used safely as an alternative to halothane in pediatric anesthesia