Comparing Desflurane, Sevoflurane, and Propofol for Preventing Delirium After Surgery
The Effect of Desflurane Versus Sevoflurane Versus Propofol on Postoperative Delirium in Elderly Patients Undergoing Moderate- to High-risk Major Noncardiac Surgery - a Prospective, Observer-blinded, Randomized, Clinical Trial
This study is testing whether using desflurane instead of sevoflurane or propofol during surgery can help older patients avoid confusion and delirium afterwards.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 4 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 1332 (estimated) |
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Medical University of Vienna Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy |
| Locations | 2 sites (Innsbruck and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05990790 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the effects of three different anesthetic agents—desflurane, sevoflurane, and propofol—on the incidence of postoperative delirium in patients aged 65 and older undergoing major noncardiac surgeries. The study aims to determine whether desflurane, with its rapid wash-in and wash-out properties, can reduce the risk of delirium compared to the other agents. A total of 1,332 patients will be randomly assigned to receive one of the three anesthetics during their surgery, and their cognitive outcomes will be assessed postoperatively. The trial is designed to provide valuable insights into effective anesthesia practices for elderly patients at risk of postoperative complications.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are patients aged 65 and older scheduled for elective major noncardiac surgery lasting at least two hours.
Not a fit: Patients undergoing emergency surgery, those with a history of dementia, or those with certain medical conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved anesthesia protocols that significantly reduce the incidence of postoperative delirium in elderly patients.
How similar studies have performed: Previous small studies have shown beneficial effects of volatile anesthesia on preventing postoperative delirium, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Provide written informed consent * ≥65 years of age * Scheduled for elective major noncardiac surgery with estimated time of surgery ≥ 2 hours Exclusion Criteria: * Patients undergoing emergency surgery * BMI \> 45 kg/m\^2 * History of diagnosed dementia * Language, vision, or hearing impairments that may compromise cognitive assessments * History of malignant hyperthermia * History of structural muscle disease * History of organ transplantation (kidney, liver, lung, heart) * Patients undergoing hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy * ICU patients undergoing surgery
Where this trial is running
Innsbruck and 1 other locations
- Medical University of Innsbruck — Innsbruck, Austria (Recruiting)
- Medical University of Vienna — Vienna, Austria (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Christian Reiterer, Prof. MD — Medical University of Vienna
- Study coordinator: Alexander Taschner, MD
- Email: alexander.taschner@meduniwien.ac.at
- Phone: 0043 1 40400
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.