Effect of propofol and sevoflurane on cognitive function among elderly patients undergoing elective surgery under anesthesia

Abstract

The objective of present study was to compare the effect of propofol and sevoflurane on cognitive function among elderly patients undergoing elective surgery under anesthesia. Elderly patient who met eligibility criteria were randomized to receive Intravenous anesthetic (propofol) or Inhalation anesthetic (sevoflurane, Group II) in allocation ratio of 1:1. The following variables were assessed, 1) recovery time; 2) measurement of attention and psychomotor functions; 3) memory (verbal memory); 4) obvious memories during anesthesia assessed by remembrance (recall) and recognition tests. A total of 200 patients were completed study. Statistical analysis showed that the recovery time was significantly greater in patients who received sevoflurane when compared to patients who received propofol (p<0.005). Patients who had treated with sevoflurane had greater reaction time compared to the patients who had been treated with propofol after 30- minutes of anesthesia (immediate test) [p<0.005]. Similar trend of results was observed between both the groups after 120 minutes of anesthesia (delayed test). Moreover, the patients who were treated with propofol had better memory score as compared to patients treated with sevoflurane. The difference was statistically significant between both the treatment groups in both type of recognition test (immediate and delayed recognition test) [p<0.005].