Comparison of etomidate and propofol for anaesthesia in microlaryngeal surgery

Propofol and etomidate were compared as hypnotics in total intravenous anaesthesia for microlaryngeal surgery combined with jet ventilation. Two groups of 15 patients were studied. In group 1, propofol 2.0 mg/kg was used for induction. For maintenance a continuous infusion of 12 mg/kg/hour was used for the first 10 minutes, followed by 9 mg/kg/hour for the next 10 minutes and 6 mg/kg/hour thereafter. In group 2, the induction dose of etomidate was 0.3 mg/kg followed by continuous infusion of 1.8 mg/kg/hour for 10 minutes, 1.5 mg/kg/hour for the next 10 minutes and 1.0 mg/kg/hour thereafter. Alfentanil was given for analgesia and suxamethonium for muscle relaxation. The propofol group showed better surgical conditions, more stable anaesthesia and better recovery according to the Steward score. Recovery times to opening eyes on command were comparable for both groups.