Total intravenous anaesthesia with propofol and alfentanil combination

Abstract

In this study, effects of propofol and alfentanil, total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA), to induction, maintenance of anaesthesia and recovery from anaesthesia were investigated. 43 gynaecologic patients (ASA physical status I and II) aged 18-60 (mean 36.9 ± 10.5) years were divided into two groups. Control group (n = 20) received thiopentone (7 mg/kg) and vecuronium (0.1 mg/kg) for induction and O2-N2O-isoflurane (33-66-1%) for maintenance of anaesthesia. TIVA group (n = 23) received propofol alfentanil (2 mg/kg), (10 mg/kg), vecuronium (0.1 mg/kg) for induction and propofol (0.2 mg/kg/min) alfentanil (1 ?g/kg/min) infusions and O2-N2O (50-50%) for maintenance of anaesthesia. Time to sleep, duration of anaesthesia, time to recovery from anaesthesia (eye opening to verbal command), to orientation (in place and time) and to recovery of motor power (hand squeeze) were recorded and compared between the two groups. Although speed of sleep and duration of anaesthesia were similar, recovery from anaesthesia and of motor power were significantly faster in TIVA group than control group. As a result TIVA with propofol and alfentanil can be a better choice than inhalation anaesthesia.