Incremental propofol for short procedures.

Propofol was used to induce and maintain anaesthesia in patients undergoing minor gynaecological procedures. Quality of anaesthesia, the rate of recovery and the influence of different methods of premedication were assessed. Unpremedicated patients required a higher induction dose than those premedicated with either lorazepam or papaveretum and hyoscine, but maintenance dose requirements were comparable. Regardless of premedication, there were similar decreases in mean arterial pressure, although respiratory function recovered more rapidly in patients premedicated with lorazepam. No significant changes in heart rate were noted in any group. The overall incidence of pain on injection was 3.7% (lignocaine 0.5 mg added to each 9.5 mg of propofol) and a skin rash occurred in 6% of patients. All patients recovered rapidly and uneventfully.