Psycho-mimetic manifestations following propofol in day care surgery--case reports.

OBJECTIVES Propofol has virtually replaced other agents for induction of anesthesia in the ambulatory setting because of its favorable recovery profile. Psycho-mimetic effects, common after use of ketamine, are not so well known for propofol. We present two case reports where patients had two spectrum of abnormal psychological outbreaks after propofol anesthesia. CASE REPORTS Two healthy young patients were scheduled for short day care procedures under general anesthesia. In both cases anesthesia was induced with propofol plus fentanyl and maintained with inhalational anesthetic agents. After uneventful completion of surgery, both patients were transferred to recovery room where they manifested unusual psycho-mimetic reactions. The first patient had emotional outburst in the form of crying and the other had violent reaction requiring haloperidol for control. CONCLUSION Psycho-mimetic reactions can occur after anesthesia using propofol in the short duration day care procedures, in patients with or without preexisting psychiatric problems, needing antipsychotic medications for control.