Effects of propofol or desflurane on post-operative spirometry in elderly after knee surgery: a double-blind randomised study.

Although there is a delay in awakening when using propofol, the effects of propofol on post-operative spirometry parameters are similar to those of DES when anaesthesia duration is approximately 3 h. Decreased respiratory parameters persisted up to 24 h after anaesthesia, irrespective of the choice of anaesthetic.