[Anesthesia for arthroscopy of the knee: propofol versus thiopental and halothane].

Sixty ASA I or II patients, who underwent general anaesthesia for arthroscopy of the knee, were separated into two groups. Induction was performed either with thiopentone 7 mg . kg-1 (group I) or with propofol 2.5 mg . kg-1 (group II). All patients were intubated and ventilated. Dextromoramide was used as analgesic. Maintenance of anaesthesia was obtained with halothane inhalation (group I) or by continuous automatic injection of propofol at a dose of 9 mg . kg-1 . h-1 (group II). Induction and maintenance were satisfactory in both groups. Pulse rate was stable at induction and intubation for the propofol group, whereas it increased at both stages of anaesthesia with thiopentone; it fell moderately in both groups afterwards. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures dropped more in the propofol group after induction, with a maximum decrease of 20%. Recovery was significantly more rapid and comfortable with propofol than with thiopentone.