A patient in a hospital bed with medical equipment, surrounded by a cloud of isoflurane.

Isoflurane Alert: Is Your Anesthesia Choice Putting You at Risk?

Samir D’Costa in Health & Wellness January 2026 • 5 min read.

"A new study reveals the surprising link between a common anesthetic and postoperative breathing problems – what you need to know to stay safe during surgery."

Going under the knife is nerve-wracking enough without having to worry about what happens after the procedure. While you're focused on the surgery itself, your medical team is meticulously planning every detail, including the type of anesthesia used. But what if a seemingly routine choice in anesthetic could impact your recovery and breathing? That's the question raised by a recent study published in the Bosnian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences.

The study sheds light on a potential connection between isoflurane, a common anesthetic, and an increased risk of postoperative respiratory depression – essentially, difficulty breathing – after laparoscopic surgery. This is a big deal because breathing complications after surgery can lead to a host of other problems, potentially prolonging your hospital stay and impacting your long-term health. Respiratory depression in the immediate post-operative period (Phase I recovery) can lead to pulmonary complications during Phase II recovery. Patients need to be aware of the potential risks and advocate for themselves by having informed conversations with their anesthesiologists.

So, what does this mean for you? This article will break down the study's findings, explain the risks associated with isoflurane, and empower you with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions about your anesthesia care. We'll explore why this seemingly small choice matters and what steps you can take to ensure a smoother, safer recovery.

Isoflurane: What the Study Revealed About This Common Anesthetic?

A patient in a hospital bed with medical equipment, surrounded by a cloud of isoflurane.

The researchers delved into the records of 8,567 patients who underwent laparoscopic procedures lasting at least 90 minutes between 2010 and 2014. The aim? To see if there was a link between using isoflurane during surgery and experiencing breathing problems afterward. They compared patients who received isoflurane to those who received other anesthetics like desflurane, sevoflurane, or propofol infusion.

Here's where it gets interesting. The study found that patients anesthetized with isoflurane were significantly more likely to experience respiratory depression in the immediate postoperative period compared to those who received other anesthetics. Specifically, the odds of respiratory depression were higher with isoflurane (OR 95% CI, 1.32, 1.15-1.50, p < 0.001).

Increased Risk: Isoflurane was associated with a higher chance of respiratory depression compared to other anesthetics.
Longer Recovery: Patients who received isoflurane also tended to have a longer Phase I recovery time (126 minutes vs. 110 minutes, p < 0.001).
Propensity-Matched Analysis: Researchers used a statistical method called propensity-matched analysis to strengthen their findings and reduce bias.

But why is this happening? While the study doesn't pinpoint the exact cause, it suggests that isoflurane might have a more prolonged effect on the respiratory system compared to other anesthetics. Less soluble volatile anesthetic agents promote faster time to tracheal extubation than isoflurane. This could lead to slower recovery of respiratory muscle strength and a delayed return to normal breathing patterns. It has been well established that less soluble volatile anesthetic agents promote faster time to tracheal extubation than isoflurane.

What This Means for Your Surgical Journey

The study underscores the importance of having an open and honest conversation with your anesthesiologist before surgery. Don't be afraid to ask questions about the different types of anesthetics available, their potential side effects, and how they might impact your individual recovery. While isoflurane is a safe and effective anesthetic for many, it's crucial to be aware of the potential risks and work with your medical team to choose the best option for your specific needs. This could involve exploring alternative anesthetics, optimizing pain management strategies, and implementing careful monitoring in the postoperative period to detect and address any breathing difficulties promptly. Remember, being informed is the first step towards a safer and smoother surgical experience.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.17305/bjbms.2017.2478, Alternate LINK

Title: Isoflurane And Postoperative Respiratory Depression Following Laparoscopic Surgery: A Retrospective Propensity Matched Analysis

Subject: General Medicine

Journal: Bosnian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences

Publisher: Association of Basic Medical Sciences of FBIH

Authors: Alexandre N. Cavalcante, Carmelina Gurrieri, Juraj Sprung, Darrell R. Schroeder, Toby N. Weingarten

Published: 2017-10-28

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Everything You Need To Know

1

What is the potential risk associated with using isoflurane as an anesthetic during surgery?

A recent study indicated a potential link between isoflurane, a commonly used anesthetic, and an increased risk of postoperative respiratory depression following laparoscopic surgery. This means patients might experience difficulty breathing after the procedure, potentially leading to a longer hospital stay and impacting long-term health. It is important to note that respiratory depression in Phase I recovery can lead to pulmonary complications during Phase II recovery.

2

How did the study assess the link between isoflurane and postoperative breathing problems?

The study compared patients who received isoflurane to those who received other anesthetics such as desflurane, sevoflurane, or propofol infusion during laparoscopic procedures lasting at least 90 minutes. The findings revealed that individuals anesthetized with isoflurane had a significantly higher likelihood of experiencing respiratory depression in the immediate postoperative period. Specifically, the odds of respiratory depression were statistically higher with isoflurane.

3

According to the study, what might explain why isoflurane is linked to increased respiratory depression?

While the study doesn't pinpoint the exact mechanism, it suggests that isoflurane may have a more prolonged effect on the respiratory system compared to other anesthetics. This could result in a slower recovery of respiratory muscle strength and a delayed return to normal breathing patterns. Less soluble volatile anesthetic agents promote faster time to tracheal extubation than isoflurane. Further research is needed to fully understand the underlying causes.

4

What steps can I take to protect myself and ensure a smoother recovery if isoflurane is being considered for my surgery?

Before undergoing surgery, it's essential to have an open and honest conversation with your anesthesiologist. Discuss the different types of anesthetics available, including isoflurane, desflurane, sevoflurane and propofol infusion. Inquire about their potential side effects and how they might impact your individual recovery. While isoflurane can be a safe and effective choice for many, being aware of the potential risks allows you to work with your medical team to determine the best option for your specific needs. This proactive discussion also includes optimizing pain management strategies.

5

If isoflurane is used, what measures can be taken to minimize the risk of postoperative respiratory depression, and what are the alternatives?

If isoflurane is determined to be the best option, careful monitoring in the postoperative period is crucial to promptly detect and address any breathing difficulties. In cases where isoflurane poses a higher risk, alternative anesthetics like desflurane, sevoflurane, or propofol infusion might be considered. The choice of anesthetic should be a collaborative decision between the patient and the medical team, taking into account individual risk factors and the specifics of the surgical procedure. Remember, propensity-matched analysis is used to strengthen findings and reduce bias.