The influence of alfentanil on induction and recovery characteristics of propofol was examined in women presenting as day cases for minor gynaecological surgery. Alfentanil reduced the incidence of pain on injection and the induction and maintenance requirements of propofol. This was at the expense of more prolonged apnoea. Immediate recovery characteristics were similar in each group although changes in Critical Flicker Fusion Threshold as a measure of psychomotor impairment were more pronounced after alfentanil. Such differences were insignificant at three hours by which time Critical Flicker Fusion Threshold had returned to baseline and patients were ready for discharge home.
MillarJ.M., JawkesC.F.Recovery and morbidity after daycase anaesthesia. A comparison of propofol with thiopentone-enflurane with or without alfentanil. Anaesthesia1989; 43: 738–743.
2.
KayB.Propofol and alfentanil infusion. A comparison with methohexitone and alfentanil for major surgery. Anaesthesia1986; 41: 589–595.
3.
GeptsE., JonckheerK., MaesV., SonokW., CamuF.Disposition kinetics of propofol during alfentanil anaesthesia. Anaesthesia1988; 43, Suppl: 8–13.
4.
DundeeJ.W., MooreJ.Studies of drugs given before anaesthesia 2; a method for assessing their influence on the course of anaesthesia. Br J Anaesth1962; 34: 523–7.
5.
LangleyM.S., HeelR.C.Propofol. A review of its pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties and use as an intravenous anaesthetic. Drugs1988; 35: 334–372.
6.
RosowC.Newer opioid analgesics and antagonists. Anesthesiol Clin Nth Am1989; 319–331.
7.
ThomasV.L., SuttonD.N., SaundersD.A.The effect of fentanyl on propofol requirements for day case anaesthesia. Anaesthesia1988; 43, Suppl: 73–75.
8.
MoffatA.C., MurrayA.W., FitchW.Opioid supplementation during propofol anaesthesia. The effects of fentanyl or alfentanil on propofol anaesthesia in day case surgery. Anaesthesia1989; 44: 644–647.
9.
McCollumJ.S.C., DundeeJ.W.Comparison of induction characteristics of four iv agents. Anaesthesia1986; 41: 995–1000.
10.
MackenzieN., GrantI.S.Comparison of new emulsion formulation of propofol. Br J Anaesth1985; 57: 725–731.
11.
GunawardeneR.D., WhiteD.C.Propofol and emesis. Anaesthesia1988; 43, Suppl: 65–67.
12.
BriggsL.P., WhiteM.The effects of premedication on anaesthesia with propofol. Postgrad Med J1985; 61, Suppl: 35–37.
13.
KayB., HealyT.E.J.Propofol for outpatient cystoscopy. Efficacy and recovery compared with Althesin and methohexitone. Postgrad Med J1985; 61, Suppl 3: 108–114.
14.
CollinsK.M., PlantevinD.M.Use of alfentanil in short anaesthetic procedures. J Roy Soc Med1985; 78: 456–458.
15.
McDonaldN.J., MannionD., LeeP., O'TooleD.P., BoyleC.O., KeaneP.K.Mood evaluation and outpatient anaesthesia. A comparison between propofol and thiopentone. Anaesthesia1988; 43, Suppl: 68–69.
