A comparative study of the analgesic effects of sevoflurane and propofol in children following otolaryngology surgical procedures: A pilot study

Abstract

Purpose: To determine the analgesic effects of sevoflurane (Sev) and propofol (Pro) in children who underwent otolaryngology surgical procedures, and their post-operative conditions. Methods: A total of 62 (ASA I or ASA II) pre-medicated children who were about to undergo otolaryngology surgical procedures were chosen and divided equally into Sev and Pro groups, with 31 patients per group. During the surgical procedure, Sev was administered via a mask, while Pro was given i.v. Each anesthesia was followed with fentanyl administration. Results: Pain scores such as verbal rating scale (VRS) and visual analogue scale (VAS) were slightly lower in Sev group than in Pro group. However, post-operative conditions such as emergence delirium (ED) and emergence agitation (EA) were significantly elevated in Sev group, when compared to Pro group (p < 0.05). In addition, patients in Sev group had higher levels of hemodynamic parameters (blood pressure), and much higher number of adverse events than those in Pro group. Thus, the overall satisfaction score and recovery characteristics, i.e., hospitalization time and recovery were slightly better in Pro-anesthetized children than in those given Sev. Conclusion: These results suggest that except for pain score, Pro-anesthetized children fared better in terms of speedy recovery and reduced adverse effects than those given Pro. Thus, Pro may be recommended as general anaesthetic for children undergoing otolaryngology surgical procedures.