Comparison of propofol and sevoflurane for laryngeal mask airway insertion

In this study, we compared haemodynamic changes, laryngeal mask airway (LMA) insertion time, and complications in patients anesthetized by inhalation of sevoflurane with those of intravenous induction with propofol. One hundred patients, aged between 20-40 years were enrolled in this study. Group I received propofol (2.5 mg/kg IV) and group 2 received sevoflurane (6% + 50% N2O + 50% O-2) by inhalation using the tidal volume technique. LMA insertion time was found to be significantly longer in sevoflurane group than in propofol group. Mean arterial blood pressure was significantly lower within each group after induction in comparison to before induction values. In both groups, the LMA was successfully inserted in all patients. The quality of anaesthesia according to patients was significantly higher in the propofol group (80%) than in sevoflurane group (30%). Odor perception was significantly higher in sevoflurane group (84%) than in propofol group (38%). Apnoea was significantly higher in propofol group (40%) than in sevoflurane group (0%). Sevoflurane is an alternative to propofol for induction of anaesthesia and has a lower incidence of apnoea. Other complication rates are not higher than which propofol but the longer duration of induction time is a disadvantage. (C) 2003 Tohoku University Medical Press.