[Diprivan: evaluation of the depth of anesthesia]

In daily practice, assessing the exact depth of anaesthesia relies even today on clinical signs such as movements elicited by painful stimuli and/or changes in blood pressure and heart rate. Neurophysiological indicators, such as EEG and evoked potentials, are most probably techniques of the future. They are not yet in routine medical practice, because of the complexity of the information supplied, unresolved technical problems and the high cost of equipment. Nevertheless, these techniques are gradually entering the operating theatre and contribute to the monitoring of the anaesthetized patient. EEG, in particular, regardless of the method of analysis used, seems effective and reliable during the induction phase of anaesthesia, However, the most adequate method of monitoring the maintenance phase or detecting awareness during anaesthesia remains to be produced.