Volatile anesthetics are one class of the most commonly used drugs. However, the mechanisms for these drugs to induce anesthesia are not fully understood and have been under intensive investigation. Although data from research studies for these two effects are extensive and convincing, clinical data for volatile anesthetics-induced neuroprotection are relatively weak. This article focuses the clinical evidence for volatile anesthetics-induced neuroprotection and neurotoxicity.
A majority of surgeries are performed under general anesthesia. Volatile anesthetics, unlike most intravenous anesthetics, have pharmacological properties to provide all components of general anesthesia. Thus, volatile anesthetics are full general anesthetics and, theoretically, single volatile anesthetic can be used to provide a patient with full general anesthesia for surgery. In addition, volatile anesthetics…
