Continuous infusion of propofol in dystrophia myotonica

The use of intravenous infusions of propofol and atracurium in a 41-year-old woman, weighing 64 kg, with dystrophia myotonica during major oral surgery is described. Propofol and atracurium, in total doses of 2488 mg and 75 mg respectively, were used during the four-hour procedure. There were no intraoperative problems and operating conditions were excellent. Emergence was rapid and there were no postoperative complications. This technique offers a safe alternative to inhalational anaesthesia for patients with dystrophia myotonica.