Comparison of propofol and thiopentone anaesthesia (with special reference to recovery characteristics)

Thiopentone and propofol were used for the induction and maintenance of anaesthesia in unpremedicated patients undergoing minor gynaecological procedures. There were no significant differences in the induction and maintenance characteristics except for a high incidence of pain on injection and a greater fall in the mean systolic blood pressure associated with propofol in comparison with thiopentone. Propofol was associated with a quicker early recovery as well as a faster psychomotor recovery, as tested by a peg-board. However, complete psychomotor recovery was not achieved for up to three hours in some patients receiving propofol and so caution is advised regarding the early street fitness of patients receiving repeated doses of the drug for day case surgery.