A study of psycho-behavioral patterns in patients emerging from general anesthesia using sevoflurane, propofol and their combination in early, intermediate and late post-operative period: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: It has been contended the general anesthetic agents also may affect the psycho-social behavior of the patients, especially during the emergence from GA. This assumes much significance in day cases where, patients have to be roadworthy and mentally stable before discharge. AIMS: We compared the psycho-behavioral effects of propofol, sevoflurane and their combination, while emerging from anesthesia. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: The patients coming for short duration day care anesthesia were studied in a prospective randomized controlled comparison. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The psycho-behavioral changes in early, intermediate and late recovery period were studied in 60 consenting patients undergoing Total Intra Venous Anesthesia (TIVA) using Propofol, Volatile Induction and Maintenance Anesthesia (VIMA) using Sevoflurane and the combination of these two agents. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Statistical Analysis of the data and application of various statistical tests was carried out with help of Statistical Package for Social Services (SPSS version 18). Data were compiled, analyzed and presented as frequency, proportions, mean and standard deviation. The tests of significance, like Chi-square test, percentages, independent sample t test, paired t test, and P value were used in the study. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Both the modalities of GA, viz; TIVA and VIMA, do produce significant psycho-behavioral changes in the patients after GA, though transiently. So it is imperative for the Clinicians to anticipate the entire aspect of Psycho-behavioral patterns before discharging the day cases from the Post anesthesia Care Unit (PACU).