Comparing Propofol and Sevoflurane for Faster Recovery in Pediatrics

Abstract

Background: Pediatric anesthesia demands agents that ensure swift recovery with minimal complications; however, the comparative effectiveness of propofol and sevoflurane for rapid recovery and complication reduction in children remains insufficiently defined. Objective: This study aimed to compare the effects of propofol and sevoflurane on recovery time, postoperative complications (nausea, vomiting, emergence agitation), and patient satisfaction in pediatric patients undergoing minor surgeries, anticipating propofol would facilitate faster recovery and fewer adverse events. Methods: This descriptive observational study included 73 pediatric patients (aged 1–10 years) at Ali Fatima Hospital, Lahore, meeting ASA I/II status and excluding those with hypersensitivity, severe respiratory, neurological, or cognitive issues; patients were administered either propofol or sevoflurane, and recovery outcomes were measured using numeric pain scales, milestone assessments, and satisfaction surveys; data were collected at standard postoperative intervals; ethical approval was obtained from the Superior University IRB (per Helsinki Declaration); data were analyzed using SPSS v25 with chi-square tests, significance set at p=0.05. Results: Propofol was associated with significantly faster mean emergence (8 vs. 14 minutes, p<0.05), lower rates of postoperative nausea/vomiting (PONV), and reduced emergence agitation compared to sevoflurane, with 54.8% of propofol patients able to sit unassisted soonest, and higher patient satisfaction scores observed for propofol. Conclusion: Propofol provides faster recovery and fewer complications than sevoflurane in pediatric anesthesia, supporting its preference for day-case pediatric surgeries, while sevoflurane remains suitable for smooth inhalational induction; these findings advocate for agent selection tailored to procedural and patient needs in pediatric practice.