Comparison of sevoflurane with halothane in pediatric ambulatory anesthesia: an experience in Taiwan.

Background: Sevoflurane, with blood/gas partition coefficient of 0.69 and MAC of 1.76 is a fast acting, potent inhalation anesthetic. Its suitability and safety for pediatric ambulatory anesthesia were assessed and compared with that of halothane.

Methods: Thirty two unpremedicated pediatric patients undergoing elective herniorrhaphy on day-surgery basis were randomly allocated to 2 groups of equal number to receive either sevoflurane or halothane anesthesia. Employing mask technique, anesthesia was induced with 60% nitrous oxide and 3 MAC of either sevoflurane or halothane in oxygen. Anesthesia was maintained respectively with 1-1.5 MAC of sevoflurane or halothane. The induction time, emergence time and untoward effects during anesthesia were analyzed and compared.

Results: It was shown that both the induction time and emergence time were significantly shorter in patients receiving sevoflurane. None had major complications.

Conclusions: The results strongly suggest that sevoflurane is preferable to halothane for pediatric ambulatory anesthesia.