The effect of additional propofol on intubation conditions

To evaluate whether an additional dose of propofol prior to intubation improves intubation conditions.

Prospective, randomized, double-blinded clinical study.

Operating room in university hospital.

102 ASA physical status I and II patients undergoing elective surgery with general anesthesia.

Patients received different doses of propofol (Groups A and B, 1.5 mg/kg; Group C, 2 mg/kg) preceded by fentanyl (1.5 μg/kg). In Group B, additional propofol (0.5 mg/kg) was administered 45 seconds after rocuronium. Intubation was performed 90 seconds after administration of rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg. Intubation conditions and hemodynamic variables were compared among the three groups.

Intubation conditions were acceptable in 61.8% of Group A patients, 58.8% of Group C patients, and 91.1% of Group B patients (P = 0.005). Mean arterial pressure (MAP) three minutes after intubation was significantly lower in Group C (P = 0.006 vs. Groups A and B), while MAP did not differ between Group A and Group B.

Administration of an additional dose of propofol (0.5 mg/kg) prior to intubation may significantly improve intubation conditions without increasing the frequency of hypotension.