British journal of anaesthesia
-
Multicenter Study
Effect of patient sex on general anaesthesia and recovery.
Numerous studies have shown that women emerge faster from general anaesthesia than men, and differ in their postoperative recovery profile. The extent and underlying mechanisms for these sex-related differences in general anaesthesia are unclear. ⋯ Patient sex is an independent factor influencing the response to anaesthesia and recovery after surgery. Women emerged faster from general anaesthesia but their overall quality of recovery was poorer. Female sex hormones, particularly progesterone, might be involved, with premenopausal women having faster recovery time but poor overall recovery.