[Intravenous perfusion of 2,6-diisopropylphenol (propofol) in the maintenance of emergency anesthesia].

In the present study, we describe the use of 2,6 diisopropylphenol (propofol) in emergency surgery. Twenty ASA I and II patients underwent intravenous induction with thiopental (group I) and maintenance with a combination of oxygen/nitrous oxide (30/70%) and in other group of similar characteristics, propofol was used as single induction and maintenance hypnotic (group II). In both groups, atracurium besylate and fentanyl were used according to demand. In group II, there was a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure (16%; p less than 0.01) and diastolic blood pressure (12%; p less than 0.01) during induction as well as a lower incidence of side effects and a more progressive and rapid recovery (eye opening: group II = 16.3 +/- 3.3 minutes; group I = 39.7 +/- 6.3 minutes; p less than 0.01). On the basis of these findings, we believe propofol is a good alternative as single intravenous anesthetic for those patients undergoing emergency surgery and have no marked hemodynamic alterations.