Comparison of the effects of propofol and sevoflurane on postoperative cognitive functions and memory in patients undergoing general anaesthesia

Authors : Malti J Pandya, Richa Mukeshbhai Tailor, Pragna N Vachhrajani

DOI : 10.18231/j.ijca.2019.109

Volume : 6

Issue : 4

Year : 2019

Page No : 559-564

This study finds out the effect of propofol and sevoflurane on cognitive function and memory and also
compare s the effect on postoperative recovery profile in patients undergoing general anaesthesia. Aim of
the study is to compare the effects of propofol and sevoflurane on cognitive and memory function in terms
of psychometric test pre and post general anaesthesia. 60 patients of age group 18– 60 years and ASA
grade I, II, III scheduled for general anesthesia were included in this study. Patients were divided into two
groups in maintenance : group P: Inj. propofol infusion and group S: sevoflurane. Assessment of cognitive
function and memory of patients in both groups was done preoperatively by following
Materials and Methods: MMSE score, CVLT, DST, RBMT and Recalling the names of surgeon and
anaesthetist. After extubation, Patients were observed for recovery by alderate recovery score up to 1
hour and assessed for pain by visual analogue scale up to 4 hours postoperatively. C ognitive function
and memory up to 4 h ours was assessed postoperatively. The recovery characteristics were better with
sevoflurane than propofol up to 10 mins. Sevoflurane had less impact on cognitive function as compared to
propofol up to 30 mins postoperative. Effect on verbal and numerical memory was less with sevoflurane as
compared to propofol up to 30 mins. Effect on semantic memory was less with sevoflurane as compared
to propofol up to 5 mins except recall memory. We concluded from above study that when rapid recovery
of cognitive function and memory are desired, sevoflurane is more favourable than propofol for a faster
recovery and emergence from anaesthesia.

Keywords: Propofol, Sevoflurane, Cognitive function, Memory.


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