A Comparison of Propofol-Thiopentone Mixture and Propofol in Induction, Maintenance and Recovery

Cho, Sang Yoon; Yeom, Jong Hoon; Shin, Woo Jong; Kim, Yong Chul; Lee, Dong Ho; Suh, Jung Kook

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of side effects, rate of recovery, and maintenance of anesthesia when using a mixture of propofol and thiopentone as compared with propofol alone.
METHODS
Fifty ASA Physical Status I or II patients aged between 12 and 60 years scheduled for minor surgical procedures were randomly allocated to group P (propofol) or group PT (propofol mix with thiopentone) in which a loading dose of propofol 2 mg/kg (group P) or propofol 1 mg/kg and thiopentone 2.5 mg/kg (group PT) was applied. At induction of anesthesia, an independent anesthesiologist graded the incidence and severity of pain. After administering the induction dosage, he also checked spontaneous movements. The duration of operation time and the duration of anesthesia were also noted.
RESULTS
There was a significant decrease of the incidence of pain on injection and spontaneous movements in group PT compared with group P (P < 0.05). The propofol maintenance dose was also significantly decreased (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in recovery indexes between the two groups except delay in time to eye opening.
CONCLUSIONS
Our data indicate that a propofol-thiopentone mixture for induction, maintenance and recovery are satisfactory during anesthesia undergoing minor surgery. In addition, there were significant reductions in pain on injection, spontaneous movement, and cost-effectiveness.