Sevoflurane for interventional neuroradiology procedures is associated with more rapid early recovery than propofol.

Purpose: Sevoflurane and propofol are both suitable for neuroanesthesia but have not previously been compared as maintenance agents for long duration (one to five hours) procedures.

Methods: Using a multicentre international study protocol, 103 patients were randomized to receive either sevoflurane or propofol for maintenance of anesthesia during interventional neuroradiology procedures. After a standardized induction of anesthesia with propofol, 53 patients received sevoflurane 1 to 3% with 60% nitrous oxide (N(2)O) in oxygen (O(2)), and 50 patients received propofol 4 to 10 mg x kg(-1) x hr(-1) with 60% N(2)O in O(2).