This study was designed to determine whether sevoflurane induction without painful procedures, such as intravenous catheter (IVC) insertion, has any emotional benefit compared with intravenous induction using a prepared IVC.

Children undergoing outpatient surgery were randomized to 2 groups: inhalation induction with sevoflurane (sevoflurane group, n = 24) or intravenous induction with thiopental sodium (control group, n = 21). In the sevoflurane group an IVC was inserted after chidren had been anesthetized by sevoflurane inhalation, while in the control group, an IVC was placed in the preoperative holding area. Total time and the number of IVC insertion attempts were recorded in both groups. Anesthesia times, agitation scores and the views of medical staff on technique benefits were also noted. Patients and parents were interviewed the following day.

Time required for IVC insertion was significantly greater in the control group. No statistically significant differences were found in terms of; the number of attempts required for IVC insertion, anesthesia induction times, extubation times, recovery times, or agitation scores. Though interviews with patients and parents produced similar results in both groups, medical staff satisfaction levels were significantly higher in the sevoflurane group.

Inhalation induction with sevoflurane had no beneficial effect on postoperative emotional changes. However, this method provides benefit to both children and medical staff because it avoids stressful, time-wasting, painful experiences.