Comparing Desflurane, Sevoflurane, and Propofol for Preventing Delirium After Surgery
Official title: 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
Run by Medical University of Vienna · NCT05990790 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 |
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 1332 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Medical University of Vienna Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy |
| Locations | 2 sites (Innsbruck and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 3, 2023 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | April 30, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT05990790 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are patients aged 65 and older scheduled for elective major noncardiac surgery lasting at least two hours.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: Previous small studies have shown beneficial effects of volatile anesthesia on preventing postoperative delirium, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
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
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.