Effects of sevoflurane, isoflurane and propofol infusions on post-operative recovery criteria in geriatric patients

We compared the effects of sevoflurane, isoflurane and propofol infusions on postoperative recovery criteria in geriatric patients. Sixty patients aged > 65 years, classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) group 1 or 2 and undergoing gynaecological or urological procedures were randomized equally into three groups. Group 1 received 1 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) sevoflurane in a 50% O-2/N2O mixture and group 2 received I MAC isoflurane in a 50% O-2/N2O mixture. Group 3 received a 50% O-2/N2O mixture plus propofol total intravenous anaesthesia (8 mg/kg for the first 30 min, followed by 6 mg/kg for maintenance). Recovery criteria comprising the times to spontaneous eye opening, extubation, response to verbal stimuli and orientation were recorded following the discontinuation of anaesthesia. Recovery times were significantly shorter in groups 1 and 3 compared with group 2. We conclude that sevoflurane and propofol had similar effects on recovery criteria and were associated with a faster recovery than isoflurane.