Recovery from propofol infusion as the main agent for outpatient arthroscopy. A comparison with isoflurane.

Propofol by continuous intravenous infusion has been compared with isoflurane as the main anaesthetic agent for outpatient arthroscopy of the knee. In 40 unpremedicated patients, anaesthesia was induced with propofol 2 mg/kg and vecuronium bromide 0.1 mg/kg and maintained after tracheal intubation with nitrous oxide 66% in oxygen. One group received 3% isoflurane prior to intubation and 0.9% during maintenance, while the other received a continuous intravenous infusion of propofol at a rate of 10 mg/kg/hour. Recovery was assessed by the time to opening eyes, to be able to answer five questions correctly, to recovery of ocular balance (Maddox Wing test) and by comparing pre- and postoperative performance in a paper and pencil test (the p-deletion test). After 3 hours all the patients were fit for discharge. Recovery tests showed no differences between the groups. All patients were satisfied with the anaesthesia. Full recovery took on average 1.5 days (range between 1 hour and 14 days) in both groups. Patients' opinion 1 month after the procedure should be included in every study concerning recovery. Anaesthesia by continuous propofol infusion results in quick recovery comparable with that following isoflurane anaesthesia.