A randomized, single-blind study design was used to compare desflurane with isoflurane in 31 adults undergoing intraocular surgery to determine whether the lower blood:gas partition coefficient of desflurane would result in a more rapid emergence after endotracheal extubation of deeply anesthetized patients. A standardized general anesthetic technique was used, consisting of sufentanil, 0.25 microgram/kg, and propofol, 1.5 mg/kg, followed by either isoflurane (n = 15) or desflurane (n = 16) in an air/oxygen mixture. After the operation and reversal of residual neuromuscular block, spontaneous ventilation was reestablished and the patients' tracheas were extubated at equianesthetic concentrations of desflurane and isoflurane (i.e., approximately 1.4 times the minimum alveolar anesthetic concentration [MAC]). Spontaneous movements occurred 5.7 (+/- 2.4) and 8.7 min (+/- 3.1; P = 0.005) after extubation in the desflurane and isoflurane groups, respectively. Eye opening and orientation also occurred significantly earlier after desflurane compared to isoflurane. Patients receiving desflurane (versus isoflurane) were also able to be transferred from the operating room significantly earlier (10.4 +/- 3.7 vs 14.5 +/- 4.3 min, P = 0.01). Use of desflurane (versus isoflurane) was not associated with an increased incidence of coughing or airway irritation during the emergence period. However, use of desflurane did not significantly reduce the duration of the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) stay or alter later recovery events compared to isoflurane. In conclusion, the more rapid emergence would favor the use of desflurane when tracheal extubation during deep anesthesia is required.