Total Intravenous Anesthesia vs Inhalatory Anesthesia in oncological surgery.

Abstract

Never before has cancer been insidious and prevalent as currently. Anaesthetic agents have shown different effects on cancer cell growth and metastasis, a fact that may have an impact in terms of survival.

In the last years, different studies have been done to find the optimal combination of anaesthetic agent and technique.

Data regarding propofol TIVA-TCI vs inhalational agents on cancer is enormous. Propofol has shown significant benefits: antitumor and anti-inflammatory properties, less nausea and vomiting, faster post-surgical recovery and less environmental pollution. However, effects on long term outcomes in comparison with halogenated agents are not apparent. Most of the articles performed in humans are retrospective, and there’s a lack of standardization in most of them. More studies are needed to obtain reliable data that could tip the scales towards one type or another of anaesthesia during cancer surgery.

To conclude, we need to find the most beneficial technique for each type of cancer surgery. Hence we should continue investigating because the whole population would benefit significantly.