Recovery characteristics using isoflurane or propofol for maintenance of anaesthesia: a double-blind controlled trial

We studied 114 female patients (ASA 1 or 2) who were within 20% of ideal body weight and who were scheduled to undergo gynaecological laparoscopy which required supplementation with an opioid (groups IA and PA), or dental procedures which did not require opioid supplementation (groups IO and PO). A computerised package of psychomotor tests was performed before surgery. Anaesthesia was induced with propofol 2.5 mg.kg-1 and all patients received atracurium 0.3 mg.kg-1 and 67% nitrous oxide in oxygen. Patients in group IA received isoflurane 1% (inspired), and alfentanil 10 micrograms.kg-1 as a bolus and 10 micrograms.kg-1.h-1 as an infusion. Patients in group PA received propofol 9 mg.kg-1.h-1 as an infusion, decreasing to 6 mg.kg-1.h-1 after 15 min, together with alfentanil 10 micrograms.kg-1.h-1. Patients in groups IO and PO received isoflurane and propofol in the regimens described for groups IA and PA, but without alfentanil. Recovery was assessed by a blinded observer who recorded times to awakening (eye opening) and orientation (giving date of birth), and who repeated the psychomotor tests at 1, 3 and 5 h. Linear analogue scales of mood, nausea and pain were obtained and other side effects were noted in the succeeding 48 h. A matched control group of 25 females (who were not anaesthetised) underwent psychomotor testing on four occasions in order to assess the 'learning effect' of repeated recovery testing. The analysis of recovery tests did not assume a normal distribution.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)