Comparison of induction, intubation and recovery characteristics of halothane + propofol V/S sevoflurane + propofol in children undergoing adenotonsillectomy

General anaesthesia for oral surgeries in paediatric patients is always challenging for an anaesthesiologist. Aim was to compare halothane+propofol and sevoflurane+propofol in paediatric patients undergoing adenotonsillectomy without muscle relaxant.

In a double blind manner, eighty patients of 310 years were premedicated with inj. Atropine and randomly divided into two groups of forty each. In Group A, priming was done with 50% oxygen+50% nitrous oxide+4% halothane for 1 minute, after loss of eye lash reflex and centralisation of pupil intravenous cannulation done. Inj. midazolom, lignocaine and Propofol were given and trachea was intubated. Maintenance was done with 1–2% halothane+ nitrous oxide+ oxygen and continuous propofol infusion. Similar technique was used in group B except for priming done with sevoflurane 7% and maintenance with 2–3%. Both groups were compared for induction, intubating conditions, haemodynamics and emergence characteristics.

Induction was rapid in group B as time for loss of eye lash reflex and centralisation of pupil was less in group B (21.88±12.6 &114.40±28.8 seconds) as compared to group A (33.05±4.0 & 140.05±12.1 sec) p<0.001. Intubating conditions were excellent but mean intubation time was less in group B as compared to group A p<0.001. Heart rate and blood pressure remained on lower side in group A. Emergence was significantly rapid in group B. No side effect or complications were noted.

Both groups provided excellent intubating conditions but sevoflurane+propofol group was better as it provided faster induction and rapid recovery from anaesthesia with more stable haemodynamics as compared to Halothane+propofol group.