Desflurane: a reappraisal.

Desflurane use is associated with carbon monoxide production and sympathetic activation. These side effects can be eliminated taking into account certain recommendations such as closing fresh gas flow at the end of anaesthesia, regular replacement of carbon dioxide absorbents and the use of new absorbents for carbon monoxide production and opioid administration with slow increases of inspiration concentrations during desflurane initiation for sympathetic activation.