Desflurane vs propofol anesthesia in influencing somatosensory evoked potential

Objective:To compare the somatosensory-evoked potentials(SSEP) and the clinical recovery profiles of desflurane/nitrous oxide and propofol anesthesia during surgery to correct scoliosis.Methods:Twenty adolescent patients were randomized into 2 groups:desflurane/nitrous oxide anesthesia group(n=10) and propofol anesthesia group(n=10).An fentanil infusion was used for analgesia in both groups when needed.Results:Changes in anesthetic concentration of 2 drugs produced little effect on the latency of SSEP,but the effect on SSEP amplitude was significant(P0.05).Desflurane produced a faster decrease and recovery in SSEP than propofol did(P0.05).The recovery time for eye opening(mean 8.0 vs 20.1 min, P= 0.09) and toe movement(mean 7.7 vs 15.68 min,P=0.22) in 2 groups had no significant difference.Conclusion:Desflurane produces a faster decrease and a recovery of SSEP amplitude as well as a better conscious state than propofol does.