Doctors may still use desflurane when, in their professional judgment, other anaesthetics cannot meet a patient’s specific medical needs.
Transcript
Vocabulary in this episode
- inhalation anaesthetic
Since 1 January 2026, routine use of desflurane as an inhalation anaesthetic has been prohibited across the European Union.
A medicine breathed in to make a patient unconscious during a medical procedure.
- prohibited
Since 1 January 2026, routine use of desflurane as an inhalation anaesthetic has been prohibited across the European Union.
It is not allowed.
- global warming
The rule is aimed at its significant impact on global warming, according to European Commission guidance.
The gradual rise in the average temperature of the Earth.
- exception
There is an important exception.
A case in which a rule does not apply in the usual way.
- professional judgment
Doctors may still use desflurane when, in their professional judgment, other anaesthetics cannot meet a patient’s specific medical needs.
A decision a doctor makes using their training and experience.
- write down
They must write down the medical reason and keep that record for five years.
To put information in writing so it is recorded.
- in advance
They do not need permission in advance.
Before something happens.
- precedent
A BMJ article frames the EU measure as a possible precedent.
An earlier action that may be used as an example for similar actions later.
All Commentary episodes
Sources
- RechercheThe Commission’s guidance says the prohibition is due to desflurane’s significant impact on global warming.
- Global practices in desflurane use : BJA: British Journal of Anaesthesia
- Reduced climate impact of anaesthetic gases – but a worrying trend in middle-income countries | Lund University
- EU bans an anesthetic with a large impact on the climate - The World from PRX
- Environmental impact of desflurane