Tracheal intubation causes a reflex tracheal constriction that leads to increased airway resistance. Inhalation anesthetics can prevent or minimize this response. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the effect of 1 MAC sevoflurane or desflurane on respiratory mechanics in children after anesthetic induction using propofol and tracheal intubation.

Sixty children undergoing elective surgery with tracheal intubation were assigned into two groups at random, a 1 MAC concentration of sevoflurane (n = 30) and a desflurane (n = 30) group. Anesthesia was induced using propofol (1.5 mg/kg) and tracheal intubation was facilitated using rocuronium (0.6 mg/kg). A respiratory profile monitor was used to measure the respiratory resistance, dynamic compliance and peak inspiratory airway pressure. The measurements were made at three time points, after three inspirations from the beginning of mechanical ventilation (baseline) and at 5 and 10 min after the administration of inhalation anesthetics.

Sevoflurane and desflurane led to a significant decrease in respiratory resistance and increased dynamic compliance at 5 and 10 min when compared to baseline. There were no significant differences in respiratory resistance and dynamic compliance between the two groups.

A 1 MAC concentration of sevoflurane and desflurane has a similar bronchodilatory effect after tracheal intubation in children.