Desflurane versus propofol for ambulatory surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors' conclusion
In ambulatory surgery, desflurane demonstrated faster early recovery, higher incidence of in-hospital PONV and antiemetic rescue, compared with propofol.
Study context
- Population
- Adults undergoing ambulatory surgery
- Participants
- 1,504 adults · 22 studies
- Comparison
- Desflurane vs propofol for maintenance of GA
- Outcome
- Early recovery times
Methodological detailsDerSimonian-Laird random-effects meta-analysis, Knapp-Hartung adjustment, generalized pivotal method, Benjamini-Hochberg correction
- DerSimonian-Laird random-effects meta-analysis
- Knapp-Hartung adjustment
- Generalized pivotal method
- Benjamini-Hochberg correction
Pooled result
As reported in the abstract
Desflurane significantly reduced mean early recovery time vs propofol, reduction of at least
9.1%
lower limit of 99% CI
Desflurane significantly reduced SD (variability) of early recovery time vs propofol, reduction of at least
4.2%
lower limit of 99% CI
Further pooled results
Intermediate and late recovery metrics
- No significant differences for most metrics
Safety
| Outcome | RR (95% CI) | |
|---|---|---|
| In-hospital PONVSignificant after BH correction | 2.15 (1.12–4.11) | |
| Postoperative antiemetic rescueSignificant after BH correction | 2.59 (1.35–4.95) | |
| 0.20.5125Relative risk (log scale) |
In-hospital PONV, with N2O (subgroup)
- Adding N2O to desflurane associated with increased in-hospital PONV vs propofol plus N2O
Original publication
Desflurane versus propofol for ambulatory surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Clin Anesth. Published 29 January 2026. doi:10.
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