Randomized comparison of recovery after propofol‐nitrous oxide versus thiopentone‐isoflurane‐nitrous oxide anaesthesia in patients undergoing ambulatory surgery

Abstract

A randomized, prospective study was performed to compare recovery characteristics in 41 ASA physical status I-II patients scheduled for ambulatory surgery with either propofol or thiopentone-isoflurane anaesthesia. Particular attention was focused on the recovery time needed to meet discharge criteria. The proprofol group received propofol 2 mg .cntdot. kg-1 for induction followed by proprofol infusion (6-9 mg .cntdot. kg-1 .cntdot. h-1) for induction followed by isoflurane (0.5 - 2%) 1 min after endotracheal endotracheal intubation. Other drugs administered during or after anaesthesia were similar between the groups. The propofol group had significant (P < 0.05) faster clinical recovery than the isoflurane group with respect to times to response to commands, eye opening, orientation, ability to stand and void, tolerance to oral fluids, "home-readiness", and recovery of perceptual speed. Patients in the propofol group had significantly less (P .ltoreq. 0.05) emesis than the patients given isoflurane. We conclude that in patients undergoing ambulatory surgery propofol infusion is preferable to thiopentone-isoflurane anaestheisa, because it may allow faster discharge home.