[Changes in affect in the postoperative phase: droperidol versus dipotassium chlorazepate]

Various studies showed an increase of anxiety and agitation after premedication with thalamonal. Subject of the present study was to specify if the psychotropic effect of the neuroleptic drug dehydrobenzperidol given during surgery is also evident during the postoperative period. Patients undergoing tympanoplastic surgery under general anaesthesia were examined by means of a psychometric analogous self judgement scale seven hours following surgical intervention. Sleep behaviour during the first postoperative night was evaluated via a question sheet. The results show that changes in condition, known from the thalamonal discussion, e.g. increase of agitation, irritability, anxious depression -- also occur during the postoperative period. During the first postoperative night, sleep was greatly disturbed. The results of a comparison group who received the benzodiazepine dipotassium clorazepate instead of dehydrobenzperidol showed a better postoperative condition and sleep behaviour.