Laryngospasm in Pediatric Anesthesia with Intravenous versus Inhalation Anesthetic Induction

This review explores the occurrence of laryngospasm following intravenous (IV) administration of propofol versus inhalation induction with sevoflurane in pediatric anesthesia. A structured literature search was conducted using PubMed, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and CINAHL to identify relevant studies. A total of 14 articles were selected based on predefined inclusion criteria. This review seeks to elucidate the optimal induction method to reduce perioperative respiratory complications, particularly laryngospasm, and improve pediatric patient outcomes. Evidence suggests that IV anesthesia with propofol is associated with a lower incidence of laryngospasm compared to inhalation anesthesia with sevoflurane, especially in patients predisposed to respiratory complications, such as those with upper respiratory infections. Additionally, reduced perioperative complications may lead to cost-effective healthcare outcomes, including decreased hospital admissions. However, in certain clinical scenarios such as patients with difficult IV access or significant needle phobia, inhalation induction may still be preferable. This review highlights the need for further research to better understand the benefits and limitations of IV induction in pediatric anesthesia, while also considering patient-specific factors that influence induction choice.