Superior recovery profiles of propofol-based regimen as compared to isoflurane-based regimen in patients undergoing craniotomy for primary brain tumor excision: a retrospective study

Miura Y et al. – Propofol was associated with a better recovery profile and neurological condition than isoflurane, as indicated by shorter extubation and operating room (OR) discharge times and better postoperative consciousness.

Methods

• The anesthesia database at Yamagata University Hospital covering the period 2002–2005 was retrospectively investigated for adult patients who underwent craniotomy for primary brain tumor excision.
• General anesthesia was provided by an isoflurane- (ISO group) or propofol-based (PROP group) regimen.
• Times to extubation and operating room (OR) discharge, perioperative consciousness levels, and perioperative variables were compared.

Results

• Of the 202 surgeries performed during the study period, 77 and 82 patients were anesthetized with isoflurane and propofol, respectively.
• Demographic data were comparable between the two groups, although the American Society of Anesthesiology grade was worse in the PROP group.
• Extubation times [39.5±14.6min (ISO) vs. 29.5±14.9min (PROP); P<0.001] and OR discharge times [67.2±18.0 (ISO) vs. 53.9±17.6min (PROP); P<0.001] were significantly shorter in the PROP, with significantly better immediate consciousness levels.
• The differences in levels of consciousness persisted for several hours postoperatively.
• PROP patients had significantly higher urine outputs and lower body temperatures during anesthesia.
• The incidences of shivering, nausea, vomiting, and convulsions were not significantly different between the groups.
• The time to discharge was similar between the groups.

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