Satisfactory brain relaxation is essential in neurosurgery. Desflurane anesthesia and propofol-based total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) have different effects on cerebral hemodynamics, potentially contributing to discrepant brain relaxation.

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of desflurane and TIVA on brain relaxation in patients undergoing craniotomy for supratentorial tumors.

In this randomized, controlled study, we enrolled patients aged 18–60 years, with ASA I–III, who were scheduled to undergo elective craniotomy for supratentorial tumors.

Patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive desflurane anesthesia or TIVA.

The primary outcome was the proportion of satisfactory brain relaxation. Secondary outcomes included emergence and extubation times, recovery of cognitive function and postoperative complications.