Effect of propofol and sevoflurane on coughing in smokers and non-smokers awakening from general anaesthesia at the end of a cervical spine surgery

Background. Coughing during emergence from general anaesthesia may be detrimental, particularly after cervical spine surgery. We compared the effect of propofol or sevoflurane anaesthesia on the incidence and severity of coughing during recovery in patients undergoing cervical spine surgery via an anterior approach. As a secondary aim, we also evaluated the influences of smoking and estimated residual anaesthetic agent concentrations on coughing. Methods. Thirty-four patients were enrolled in a randomized prospective, double-blind study to receive either propofol (PPF) or sevoflurane (SEVO) for maintenance of anaesthesia. The decision to perform tracheal extubation was based on specified criteria, including resumption of spontaneous respiration and consciousness. During emergence from anaesthesia and extubation, coughing was observed and graded at predefined times. Results. The incidence of severe coughing was higher in the SEVO group than in the PPF group (59% and 6%, respectively), and also in smokers than in non-smokers (50% and 17%, respectively). The peak incidence of coughing was at tracheal extubation. The probability of coughing was influenced by the estimated residual concentration of anaesthetic agents at extubation, except for smokers in the SEVO group who were at the highest risk of coughing. Conclusions. The incidence of coughing after cervical spine surgery when tracheal extubation is performed according to clinical criteria is lower after propofol anaesthesia compared with sevoflurane anaesthesia. Smokers are at increased risk of coughing, independently of the type of anaesthesia maintenance. Higher residual concentrations of anaesthetic agents decrease the probability of coughing, except for smokers anaesthetized with sevoflurane.