title: Target-controlled propofol vs. sevoflurane: a double-blind, randomised comparison in day-case anaesthesia.
abstract: We compared target-controlled propofol with sevoflurane in a randomised, double-blind study in 61 day-case patients. Anaesthesia was induced with a propofol target of 8 microgram.ml-1 or 8% sevoflurane, reduced to 4 microgram.ml-1 and 3%, respectively, after laryngeal mask insertion and subsequently titrated to clinical signs. Mean (SD) times to unconsciousness and laryngeal mask insertion were significantly shorter with propofol [50 (9) s and 116 (33) s, respectively] than with sevoflurane [73 (14) s and 146 (29) s; p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0003, respectively]; however, these differences were not apparent to the blinded observer. Propofol was associated with a higher incidence of intra-operative movement (55 vs. 10%; p = 0.0003), necessitating more adjustments to the delivered anaesthetic. Emergence was faster after sevoflurane [5.3 (2.2) min vs. 7.1 (3.7) min; p = 0.027], but the inhaled anaesthetic was associated with more nausea and vomiting (30 vs. 3%; p = 0.006), which delayed discharge [258 (102) min vs. 193 (68) min; p = 0.005]. Direct costs were lower with sevoflurane but nausea would have increased indirect costs. Patient satisfaction was high (>/= 90%) with both techniques. In conclusion, both techniques had advantages and disadvantages for day-case anaesthesia.
authors.affiliation: Keele University, Newcastle Road, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 7QG, UK.
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Thwaites
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000556:Ambulatory Surgical Procedures; D000762:Anesthesia Recovery Period; D018685:Anesthetics, Inhalation; D018686:Anesthetics, Intravenous; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007432:Intraoperative Period; D017214:Laryngeal Masks; D008297:Male; D008738:Methyl Ethers; D008875:Middle Aged; D009068:Movement / Q000187:drug effects; D015742:Propofol; D000077149:Sevoflurane
chemical_list: D018685:Anesthetics, Inhalation; D018686:Anesthetics, Intravenous; D008738:Methyl Ethers; D000077149:Sevoflurane; D015742:Propofol