Aim: To compare the effects of propofol, sevoflurane and desflurane in patients undergoing supratentorial craniotomies under general anaesthesia with regard to, perioperative haemodynamic stability, emergence and recovery characteristics.

Materials and Methods: A prospective randomized study of 150 adult patients belonging to both sexes undergoing elective supratentorial craniotomies under general anaesthesia were takenup for study and divided into three groups of 50 each. Group P : Anaesthesia was induced with Inj. Thiopentone sodium and maintained with 66% nitrous oxide (N20), in 33% oxygen (02) and Propofol (3-6mg/kg/hr) Group S: Anaesthesia was induced with Inj.Thiopentone sodium and maintained with 66% nitrous oxide (N2O) in 33% oxygen (O2) and Sevoflurane. (1-2%) Group D: Anaesthesia was induced with Inj. Thiopentone sodium and maintained with 66% N 2O and 33% O2 and Desflurane. (4-6%). The effects of Propofol, Desflurane and Sevoflurane on haemodynamics and recovery characteristics were observed.

Results: In Desflurane Group the mean time taken for response to verbal commands was 4.61±0.47 min, spontaneous eye opening was 5.3±0.49 min,to squeezing fingers and lift limb was 6.17 ± 0.31 min. While the mean time taken for extubation was 7.72±0.53 min and time taken to orientation to place, name was 9.38±0.52min. These desflurane values are very much lower than the other two groups.

Conclusion: We conclude that Desflurane as the inhalational agent ensures faster recovery in the early postoperative period as evident from significant decrease in the time required for extubation and the time requiredtoachieveamodifiedAldretescoreof≥9whencomparedtopatientsreceivingSevofluraneand Propofol.