Effects of sevoflurane and TIVA with propofol on middle ear pressure

SummaryObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of sevoflurane and TIVA with propofol on middle ear pressure and to show the importance of anesthesia without using any inhalational agents during middle ear surgery.Study designA prospective, randomized controlled clinical study.MethodsIn this study, 25 male children that were scheduled for circumcision were randomised into two groups. Group I (n = 13) received TIVA with propofol and group II (n = 12) received sevoflurane. Baseline tympanometry reading was performed on each ear just before anesthesia. The next tympanometry reading was taken 10 min after applying the laryngeal mask. Data were analysed by Mann–Whitney U (between groups) and Wilcoxon tests (within groups).ResultsMean MEP values in 26 ears of 13 boys in group I did not show any significant difference before and after the anesthesia with propofol (p > 0.05). In group II mean MEP values in 24 ears of 12 boys showed a significant increase after the anesthesia with sevoflurane (p < 0.001). No significant difference was found between the MEP values of the two groups before the anesthesia (p > 0.05), and MEP values measured during the anesthesia were significantly higher in group II (p = 0.007).ConclusionSevoflurane may increase the middle ear pressure and TIVA with propofol may be used in middle ear operations more safely than sevoflurane.