Haemodynamic changes after induction of anaesthesia with sevoflurane vs. propofol

Inhalation induction with sevoflurane would appear to offer several objective advantages compared to induction with propofol. In our study, the hemodynamic results of sevoflurane vs. propofol induction in patients undergoing thoracotomy were studied. In a prospective, randomized, blinded study 24 patients were randomly allocated to one of 2 groups: sevoflurane (S) and propofol (P) (n=12 each). For hemodynamic monitoring the LIDCO plus system was used. Patients in group S were induced into anaesthesia with sevofluran, remifentanil and vecuronium, whereas patients in group P with propofol, remifentanil and vecuronium. The anaesthesia was maintained with the same agents. Hemodynamic stability was guided using a special algorithm. The goal was oxygen delivery index (DO2I) > 500 mL min-1 m-2. According to the algorithm, patients received colloids or vasoactive drugs. Hemodynamic parameters were recorded before induction, 3 minutes after induction and 3 minutes after intubation and commencement of one lung ventilation. The consumption of vasoactive drugs and colloids and the time from the beginning of induction to intubation were documented. No statistically significant differences in measured hemodynamic parameters, remifentanil and colloid consumption between the S and P group were found. In group P, statistically more ephedrine was used (S: 4.2, P:20.8, p