There is controversy regarding the relative perioperative benefits of desflurane when used for induction of anesthesia. Inhalation induction with desflurane alone causes adverse airway events, such as coughing, bronchospasm, laryngospasm, and copious secretion of varying severity. The aim of this study was to determine whether desflurane minimize cardiovascular activation during induction.

Sixty ASA I and II patients were randomized to receive 1 MAC or 1.5 MAC of desflurane during manual vernilation or not. Patients received propofol (2 mg/kg) to induce loss of consciousness (LOC). Rocuronium (0.8 mg/kg) was given at LOC and the trachea was intubated after 90 seconds of manual breathing support with or without inhaled anesthetics. Vital signs and adverse airway events were recorded until 10 minutes post-intubation.

A significant increase in blood pressure and heart rate were seen in no desflurane group. The stable vital signs were seen in desflurane groups. The adverse airway events were increased in 1.5 MAC group but 1 MAC group.

Desflurane was able to be stable blood pressure and heart rate at 1 MAC but adverse airway events were increased at 1.5 MAC of desflurane.