Propofol ('Diprivan') infusion as main agent for day case surgery

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Propofol is a widely used intravenous anesthetic agent.
• Day case gynecological surgery requires efficient anesthesia induction and recovery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of propofol for induction and maintenance of anesthesia in day case gynecological surgery.
• To assess patient recovery and side effects associated with propofol administration.

Main Methods:

• Eighteen patients undergoing day case gynecological surgery received fentanyl followed by propofol induction (2.5 mg/kg).
• Anesthesia was maintained via continuous propofol infusion (mean rate 214 µg/kg/min) with spontaneous ventilation.
• No nitrous oxide or volatile anesthetic agents were used.

Main Results:

• Propofol provided smooth induction with low incidence of injection pain.
• High incidence of post-induction apnea was observed.
• Maintenance infusion was satisfactory, with rapid and uncomplicated recovery.
• No patient awareness or anaphylactoid reactions were reported.

Conclusions:

• Propofol is a suitable agent for inducing and maintaining anesthesia in selected gynecological procedures.
• Careful monitoring for apnea is necessary during propofol induction.
• The use of propofol infusion allows for rapid recovery without awareness.