Comparison of respiratory complications of propofol and isoflurane among six-months to two-years-old infants undergoing inguinal herniorrhaphy under general anesthesia with laryngeal mask airway

Abstract

Background: The use of laryngeal mask airway (LMA) for infants is increasing. But, there is not sufficient research on the anesthetic drugs used for infants whose airway is supported with laryngeal mask airway. This study aimed to compare the respiratory complications of propofol and isoflurane in these infants. Methods: Ninety 6- to 24-months old infants undergoing inguinal herniorrhaphy under general anesthesia with laryngeal mask airway were randomly allocated into two groups of 45. The first group received propofol and the second received isoflurane as maintenance of anesthesia. Peripheral capillary oxygen saturation (SpO2), end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) and mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) were recorded every 5 minutes. In addition, for each patient MAP, SpO2, respiratory complication, nausea and vomiting were recorded every 15 minutes in the recovery room. Findings: Patients receiving propofol had significantly lower ETCO2, heart rate and MAP (P < 0.01 for all). SPO2 was lower at 15th, 25th, 30th minutes of the surgery and on admission, 15th and 45th minute of recovery in patients receiving isoflurane; but the differences were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Regarding the results, propofol is probably a better choice for maintenance of general anesthesia with laryngeal mask airway in infants. © 2017, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.