Induction of anesthesia with propofol in urological outpatient surgery.

Propofol (Diprivan) in a new formulation, a short-acting intravenous anesthetic, was used as an induction agent for short urological procedures. Forty unpremedicated patients were treated with either propofol or thiopental in a randomized study. The onset of anesthesia and duration of apneic period were prolonged and the decrease in systolic blood pressure was more profound in the propofol group. Heart rate was less stable and recovery time was longer in the thiopental group. Other parameters, such as quality of anesthesia, acceptability of the drug or rate of side effects, were similar in both groups. These results suggest that propofol in a new formulation is a suitable agent for short urological procedures in outpatient surgery.