Context: It is clear that the number of elderly is going to rise in coming days. Hence, number of elderly requiring surgery and anesthesia is also on increase. At the same time, there are newer developments in the field of anesthesia. Hence, operation theatre staff and doctors should know which agent is better when given the choice.

Aim: To compare recovery and postoperative cognitive functions after general anesthesia with sevoflurane or desflurane based technique in elderly patients.

Settings and Design: Prospective Randomized Controlled Comparative Interventional study was conducted at KIMS Hospital, Kondapur, Hyderabad.

Methods: 120 patients undergoing surgeries under general anesthesia were included. They were randomly assigned in two groups of 60 each; with one group receiving Sevoflurane and the other desflurane. Two groups were compared for different parameters.

Statistical Analysis: Chi Square Test was applied for categorical data and t test for the continuous data.

Results: Both the groups were comparable in terms of age and sex. Mean BMI was significantly higher in desflurane group compared to sevoflurane group (p < 0.05). Mean duration was significantly higher in desflurane group cases. The recovery indices were significantly better in desflurane group cases (p<0.05). MMSE scores were not significantly different in two groups (p>0.05). Incidence of POCD in two groups was comparable (p>0.05).

Conclusion: Both the drugs i.e. desflurane and sevoflurane are equally effective among elderly cases undergoing surgery under general anesthesia in preventing POCD.

Key messages: Desflurane and sevoflurane can be used in elderly patients undergoing surgery under general anesthesia.