[Effects of sevoflurane versus target-controlled infusion of propofol on haemodynamics during elective breast surgery in healthy women].

BACKGROUND

Haemodynamic changes during general anaesthesia are still being widely investigated. Although propofol and sevoflurane are commonly used anaesthetic agents, there is a lack of comparative studies assessing their influence on haemodynamic parameters. We have assessed whether the effects of target-controlled propofol anaesthesia on HR, MAP and cardiac output, are different from those seen with a sevoflurane-based protocol.

METHODS

ASA I and II females, scheduled for elective breast surgery, were studied. After premedication with midazolam and intravenous induction with propofol, fentanyl and vecuronium bromide, general anaesthesia was maintained with either 1 MAC sevoflurane in oxygen/air (group S), or a target-controlled infusion of 3 micromL(-1) propofol (group P). Both groups received additional fentanyl. Heart rates and mean arterial pressures were noted and compared. Stroke volumes, cardiac outputs and cardiac indexes were measured every 3 min, using a non-invasive carbon dioxide rebreathing method (NICO).

RESULTS

Fifty-seven patients were enrolled in the study. Comparisons between the groups revealed a significant decrease in mean heart rate during maintenance of anaesthesia with propofol (p<0.05), but not with sevoflurane. Although cardiac output and cardiac index were lower in group P towards the end of analysis, no statistically significant differences in HR, MAP, SV, CO or CI were found between the groups.

CONCLUSION

The haemodynamic effect of a target 3 micromL(-1) propofol infusion did not differ significantly from that observed with 1 MAC sevoflurane.