Which intravenous induction agent for day surgery? A comparison of propofol, thiopentone, methohexitone and etomidate

Eighty day patients for the vaginal termination of pregnancy were randomly allocated to receive thiopentone, propofol, methohexitone or etomidate as intravenous induction agents. The same anaesthetist administered the anaesthesia and all the observers were blind to the agents used. The results show that thiopentone and propofol produced the least sequelae at induction and in recovery. Furthermore, both agents produced a high quality of induction and recovery. All patients were discharged home 2 hours postoperatively and there was no obvious delay in recovery. This study has altered clinical practice in our Day Surgery Unit.