[Use of Diprivan in chronic respiratory insufficiency]

Propofol may be recommended as an anaesthetic agent in patients with chronic respiratory insufficiency since: it prevents the increase in bronchial resistances resulting from the administration of opioids; it possesses a bronchodilator effect, comparable with that of flunitrazepam; it ensures rapid recovery, which would favour patient's co-operation postoperatively. The effects of propofol on respiratory drive should not be neglected, as they may persist even after complete recovery. In pulmonary surgery, propofol may be recommended in patients with one-lung ventilation, since it does not depress the hypoxic vasoconstriction reflex. Some procedures may be carried out in spontaneous ventilation or, preferably, using jet ventilation, provided that propofol is given by means of an infusion pump.