Inhalational vs. Intravenous anesthesia: is opposition helpful for clinicians?

An intense debate focusing on the polluting effect of volatile anesthetics has recently called into question their role and importance, even though they have been fundamental to general anesthesia until now. In this brief narrative review, we analyze the advantages and limitations of inhalation anesthesia in comparison with intravenous anesthesia in both adult and pediatric populations. The aim of the review is to assist anesthesiologists in making an informed and objective choice between the 2 techniques, considering that a single aspect—environmental pollution—although important, cannot be the only parameter on which to base the decision of how to perform general anesthesia.