Propofol emulsion for induction and maintenance of anaesthesia. A combined technique of general and regional anaesthesia

Abstract

To provide general anaesthesia with endotracheal intubation during regional blockades, three dose regimens of propofol emulsion were studied: induction 2 mg kg-1, infusion rate 9 mg kg-1 h-1 (Group 1); induction 2.5 mg kg-1, infusion rate 12 mg kg-1 h-1 (Group 2); induction 2.5 mg kg-1, infusion rate 9 mg kg-1 (Group 3). Each group comprised 10 healthy (ASA class 1 or 2) unpremedicated patients. The induction times measured from the start of injection until counting ceased (+/- 50 s) and until eye-lash reflex disappeared (+/- 80 s) showed no statistical differences between groups. In five patients in Group 1 and one patient in each of Groups 2 and 3 the induction dose was too low for intubation. Pain on injection was seen in 13 cases (mild 6, moderate 6 and severe 1). Cough accompanied by hypersalivation was the most important side-effect. Recovery times varied widely and showed no statistical differences. Answering simple questions was possible after 14 min in Group 1, 23 min in Group 2 and 19 min in Group 3. Apart from a short period of euphoria, recovery was uneventful. There was no tendency to fall asleep again. None of the combinations of induction doses and infusion rates provided good anaesthesia conditions for an acceptable number of patients.