A comparison of the effect of isoflurane and propofol on arterial carbon dioxide tensions following intracranial surgery.

Abstract

Thirty-four adult patients undergoing elective craniotomy were randomly allocated to receive either isoflurane or propofol to supplement nitrous oxide and fentanyl for maintenance of anaesthesia. Arterial blood gases were measured pre-operatively before premedication and at 5, 15, 30 and 60 min after tracheal extubation. The arterial carbon dioxide tension was higher than the preoperative value 5 min after tracheal extubation in both groups (p < 0.01), but there was no difference between the two groups at any time. It is concluded that the degree of postoperative respiratory depression after intracranial surgery is short-lived and minimal following maintenance of anaesthesia with either propofol or isoflurane.