Comparison between sevoflurane and halothane for paediatric ambulatory anaesthesia.

We have compared the rapidity and quality of recovery after sevoflurane anaesthesia with those after halothane anaesthesia. Thirty unpremedicated paediatric outpatients undergoing pulsed-dye laser therapy for port-wine stains were allocated randomly to receive either halothane or sevoflurane anaesthesia. Each group received 60% nitrous oxide and 1.0-1.5 MAC of volatile agent in oxygen for approximately 40 min. Patients receiving sevoflurane exhibited more rapid emergence and a significantly shorter postoperative recovery time compared with those receiving halothane. No major adverse effects were encountered in each group. These results suggest that sevoflurane anaesthesia is preferable to halothane anaesthesia for paediatric ambulatory patients.