Comparison of induction and recovery characteristics of halothane and sevoflurane among infants

Abstract EN

Objectives : The aim of this study was to compare the induction and recovery characteristics associated with Halothane and Sevoflurane anesthesia in infants undergoing herniotomy.

Methods : A total number of 100 infants who underwent herniotomy at King Hussein Medical Center between July 2008 and February 2009, under general anesthesia were allocated to receive either Sevoflurane (n=50) or Halothane (n=50) anesthesia.

Induction times, recovery times and induction and recovery complications were recorded.

Results : The time of induction was shorter with Sevoflurane than with Halothane.

The incidence of excitement was higher in Sevoflurane group than in Halothane group during both induction and recovery.

Recovery time was significantly shorter with Sevoflurane group than halothane group.

Conclusion : Sevoflurane, when used for infants, has the advantage of faster speed of induction and more rapid recovery than Halothane, which may make it suitable alternative to the later.