Which inhalation agent is considered the agent of choice for general anesthesia?

Sevoflurane is considered the agent of choice for general anesthesia due to its favorable properties. It has a low minimum alveolar concentration (MAC), which indicates that less of the agent is needed to achieve adequate anesthesia. This can lead to quicker induction and recovery times, making it more convenient for both patients and practitioners.

Additionally, sevoflurane is often preferred for its rapid onset and offset of action, allowing for smoother transitions in and out of anesthesia. Its pleasant odor and lack of irritation to the airway make it an excellent choice, especially in pediatric cases where patient acceptance is crucial. Furthermore, sevoflurane's cardiovascular stability is an important factor, as it tends to have less impact on hemodynamics compared to some other agents.

While other inhalation agents may have specific advantages in certain scenarios, sevoflurane's overall profile in terms of efficacy, safety, and patient comfort makes it the most commonly preferred choice for general anesthesia in many clinical situations.