Disoprofol (ICI 35868) for total intravenous anaesthesia

The purpose of this study was to evaluate disoprofol as the hypnotic for total intravenous anaesthesia. Sixty women undergoing minor gynaecological surgery participated and were randomly assigned to four groups (N = 15 in each group). Disoprofol, 2 mg/kg was given i.v. to induce anaesthesia after a bolus injection of either fentanyl 1.875 micrograms/kg or alfentanil 18.75 micrograms/kg. Vecuronium, 0.06 mg/kg, was given for muscle relaxation when indicated. One-half of the patients received acute premedication with midazolam, 5 mg i.v. Anaesthesia was maintained with a continuous infusion of disoprofol 150 micrograms/kg/min and either fentanyl 0.125 micrograms/kg/min or alfentanil 1.25 micrograms/kg/min. These drug combinations were compatible and produced good operating conditions. Awakening time was significantly shorter for women who received no premedication and was not affected by the narcotic used. Respiration returned more quickly when fentanyl was the narcotic given and was not affected by premedication. Both hypotension and bradycardia were seen in some patients, but other side effects were infrequent. This total intravenous anaesthesia technique was very well accepted by the patients and the nurses who cared for them in the postoperative period.