Long-term Trends in Anesthetic Drug Utilization: A Comprehensive Retrospective Clinical Investigation

Abstract

Background: This retrospective clinical study analyses long-term anaesthetic drug use trends to inform current anaesthesia practices. Continuous anaesthesia management advancements affect patient safety standards and drug preferences, which affect surgical outcomes.

Methods: 130 patients who had various surgeries were retrospectively examined during the study. EHRs provided propofol, sevoflurane, fentanyl, and ketamine consumption rates. Statistics were used to track drug use trends.

Results: The usage of intravenous medicines for anaesthesia has increased from 30% to 50% (p < 0.05) with propofol. Sevoflurane use dropped from 50% to 40%, but fentanyl stayed at 20%–25%. Ketamine use dropped from 10% to 8%. These findings indicate that economics, patient safety, and new drugs are shifting priorities.

Conclusion: Anaesthesia practice requires constant observation and adjustment since anaesthetic drug use fluctuates. The rising usage of propofol underscores the need to improve operation efficiency and patient recovery. A consistent influx of fentanyl patients shows the drug's importance in pain management and reduces opioid overdose deaths. Concerns regarding psychotropic effects and changing clinical approaches may explain ketamine use reduction. The information from this study can improve patient outcomes, guide perioperative care research, and optimise anaesthesia regimens.