Halothane versus isoflurane anaesthesia for bronchoscopy in pediatric patients

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of two different inhalational anesthetic agents [halothane and isoflurane] on blood gases of infants undergoing bronchoscpy for foreign body extraction or bronchoscopic suction of secretion in respiratory tract infection and to determine which child is at increased risk and the proper inhalation agent. The study was done on 40 children scheduled for bronchoscopy classified into two equal groups according to the inhalational anesthetic used [GI halothane, GII isoflurane]. In each group, half of the children [10] were undergoing foreign body extraction, the others for suction of excessive secretion. It can be concluded that halothane is better than isoflurane for inhalation induction during bronchoscopy because it allows better oxygenation with lesser incidence of bronchospasm. The use of the side tube or ventilation in bronchoscopy was never satisfactory. Children undergoing bronchoscopy for suction of secretion or foreign body extraction are equal risk of hypoxemia and hypercarbia and great care should be taken through the procedure