Isoflurane, desflurane and sevoflurane for carotid endarterectomy

After carotid endarterectomy under general anaesthesia, the rapid eliminati on of desflurane and sevoflurane may allow earlier postoperative neurologic al assessment than after the use of isoflurane. However, desflurane may be associated with tachycardia and hypertension and may therefore increase car diovascular risk. We investigated haemodynamic and recovery characteristics in patients scheduled for carotid endarterectomy who were anaesthetised wi th isoflurane, sevoflurane or desflurane. No significant peri-operative dif ferences were noted in cardiac index or ST segment analysis. The times to e xtubation, movement on command and consciousness were shorter after desflur ane and sevoflurane than after isoflurane anaesthesia. Postoperative pain, nausea, vomiting and shivering were similar in the three study groups.