Comparative Evaluation of Minimal and Metabolic Flow Anaesthesia Using Desflurane

Objective: The aim of this study is the comparative evaluation of minimal and metabolic flow anaesthesia with regard to hemodynamic stability, trends of anaesthesia gases, problems during maintenance, time to recovery and the consumption of anaesthetic agent. Methods: A randomised controlled prospective study was conducted on 60 patients of ASA grades I and II between 20 and 60 years of age undergoing routine surgeries under general anaesthesia using the Dräger Primus workstation. Patients were randomly allocated to Group 1 (minimal flow) and Group 2 (metabolic flow). Anaesthesia consumption was calculated manually using Dion’s method and the Dräger Primus machine also using the Dräger algorithm. Results: The two groups were found comparable with regard to the above-mentioned objectives. No statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups. Conclusion: Metabolic flow anaesthesia is safe and feasible on a day-to-day basis with the judicious use of advanced anaesthesia workstations and newer lower solubility halogenated agents.