Comparison of Emergence Time and Recovery of Psychomotor Function After Propofol-Fentanyl Versus Thiopental- Sevoflurane Anesthesia in Elderly Patients

Shigeki Yamaguchi, Katsuhisa Fujimaki, Yasuhisa Okuda, Toshimitsu Kitajima

Dept. of Anesth., Dokkyo Univ. School of Med., Mibu, Tochigi 321-0293, Japan

Purpose :

The aim of study is to compare the emergence time and recovery of psycho-motor function following anesthesia with either propofol-fentanyl or thiopental-sevoflurane in elderly patients.

Methods :

Thirty elderly patients undergoing elective surgery were randomly assigned to two groups : propofol anesthesia (propofol and fentanyl for induction and maintenance) and sevoflurane anesthesia (thiopental for induction and sevoflurane-nitrous oxide for maintenance). As a control group, thirty young patients were also assigned to two groups : propofol or sevoflurane anesthesia.

Results :

Either anesthesia provided the rapid emergence in young and elderly patients. Propofol anesthesia induced the superior recovery of psycho-motor function compared to sevoflurane anesthesia in young patients, but did not in elderly patients.

Conclusions :

We conclude that in elderly patients, propofol anesthesia did not appear the superior recovery of psychomotor function in spite of the rapid emergence.