Will sevoflurane oust propofol as the preferred induction anaesthetic?

Abstract

IV propofol is the standard agent used for induction of anaesthesia. It provides a rapid response and appears to be well accepted by patients. However, it also has certain disadvantages. These may be overcome by the new inhalational agent sevoflurane. Comparative studies have shown that sevoflurane is associated with less apnoea and cough, and a faster emergence from anaesthesia, compared with propofol. It also appears to be significantly cheaper. At the World Congress of Anaesthesiologists [ Sydney, Australia; April 1996 ], experts in this field put forward the case for sevoflurane, and highlighted certain properties that render the agent particularly useful in elderly and paediatric patients.