Comparison of the effects of low-flow and high-flow inhalational anaesthesia with nitrous oxide and desflurane on mucociliary activity and pulmonary function tests

Abstract

Respiratory function and mucociliary clearance are better preserved in a low-flow anaesthesia technique than in high-flow anaesthesia with nitrous oxide and desflurane. Therefore, a low-flow anaesthesia technique with nitrous oxide and desflurane may provide an important clinical advantage because it provides appropriately heated and humidified gases to the tracheobronchial tree.