COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF ANESTHETIC ADMINISTRATION ROUTES: INHALATIONAL VS TIVA

Abstract

Background: The choice of anesthetic administration route can significantly influence intraoperative stability, postoperative complications, recovery, and overall patient satisfaction. Total Intravenous Anesthesia (TIVA) and inhalational anesthesia are commonly used, yet comparative data on their outcomes in adult surgical patients remain limited.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Mayo Hospital, Lahore, including 162 patients aged 18–60 years undergoing various surgical procedures. Participants were categorized based on the anesthesia type: TIVA, inhalational, or regional. Data on demographics, primary agents, intraoperative and postoperative complications, pain severity, recovery times, and patient satisfaction were collected and analyzed.

Results: Of 162 participants, 55.6% were female and 44.4% male. Age distribution showed 35.8% aged 18–30 years, 32.1% aged 31–40 years, 22.2% aged 41–50 years, and 9.9% aged 51–60 years. TIVA was administered in 48.1% of cases, inhalational anesthesia in 32.1%, and regional anesthesia in 19.8%. TIVA was associated with fewer intraoperative complications, smoother recovery (mean eye opening 8.84 min vs. 9.73 min), and higher overall patient satisfaction. Postoperative nausea, vomiting, and delirium were lower in TIVA patients. Postoperative pain was slightly higher in TIVA but was effectively managed with NSAIDs and opioids.

Conclusion: TIVA offers superior intraoperative stability, faster recovery, and higher patient satisfaction compared with inhalational anesthesia. It represents a safe and effective anesthetic choice for adult surgical patients.