Effects of Desflurane and Sevoflurane on Oxygenation and Shunt Fraction During One-Lung Ventilation and on Recovery Time

Abstract

Objective: To compare the effects of desflurane and sevoflurane on oxygenation, shunt fraction and hemodynamics during one-lung ventilation (OLV), and recovery characteristics after general anesthesia in patients undergoing pulmonary surgery. Material and Methods: Thirty-two American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I-II patients scheduled for elective pulmonary surgery were randomly assigned to one of two groups. Anesthesia was maintained with desflurane in group D and with sevoflurane in group S. Systemic and pulmonary hemodynamics were recorded, and arterial and mixed venous gas analyses were measured four times. Recovery was assessed using the Aldrete score. The patients were asked to state their names, date of birth and names of their 3 close relatives at 5 and 15 minutes after extubation in the recovery room. Results: Patient demographics and operative procedures were similar between desflurane and sevoflurane groups. There were no significant differences between the groups with regard to oxygenation, shunt fraction or systemic and pulmonary hemodynamics. In both groups, shunt fraction was significantly increased during OLV. There were no differences between groups in Aldrete score, and correct stating of name, date of birth and three close relative names. The times from cessation of inhalation anesthetic administration to hand squeezing and extubation were significantly shorter in patients given desflurane than in patients given sevoflurane. There was no difference between groups in the period from cessation of anesthetic agent to eye opening. Conclusion: We conclude that desflurane and sevoflurane can be used safely in pulmonary surgery and the choice between them is not important in terms of arterial oxygenation, shunt fraction, and hemodynamics. The time from cessation of inhalation anesthetic administration to hand squeezing and extubation were shorter in the desflurane group. Other recovery characteristics were similar between the groups.