Induction of general anesthesia with sevoflurane in children

Objective To compare the induction of general anesthesia with sevoflurane or ketamine in children.Methods Thirty children aged 3 to 7 years old were randomly divided into ketamine group and sevoflurane group with 15 cases each.Induction time,recovery time,anesthesia expense,cardiac and respiratory function were recorded and compared.Results The induction time and recovery time of sevoflurane group were shorter than those of ketamine group.The hemodynamic change of sevoflurane group was less than that of ketamine group.No significant respiratory depression was found in the two groups,except a slight decrease of SpO2 seen in sevoflurane group at entering the operation room.There was no significant difference in anesthesia expense between the two groups.Conclusion Anesthesia induction with sevoflurane is suitable for children with quicker onset and recovery,less depression on respiration,shorter stay in the operation room,and less anesthesia expense than that with ketamine.