Objective:

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of low dose propofol (0.5 mg kgˉ1) administered at the end of anesthesia on recovery characteristics with inhalation anesthesia and total intravenous anesthesia besides comparison of the antiemetic efficiency of the propofol and metoclopramid.

Methods:

This study was conducted in 40 children (8.5±3.2 years) scheduled for strabismus surgery were assigned into four groups. Anesthesia was induced by 2 mg kgˉ1 propofol in all groups. After endotracheal intubation anaesthesia was maintained with inhalation of %2 sevoflurane along with 50% O2 in N2O in Group I, III and IV and maintained with 3-15 mg kgˉ1 hˉ1 propofol in Group II. At the end of the surgery 0.5 mg kgˉ1 propofol was administered to Group III while 0.25 mg kgˉ1 metoclopramid was administered to Group IV.

Results:

Postoperative nausea and vomiting was observed patients seven in Group I, five in Group II and three in Group IV and antiemetic was given to five, one and three patients in groups respectively. Only one patient had nausea in Group III and antiemetic wasn’t given. When the incidences of nausea and vomiting were compared significantly lower in Group III, IV than Group I, II (p<0.05).

Conclusion:

We conclude that a subhypnotic dose of propofol administered at the end of outpatient strabismus surgery was more effective in preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting, comfort implications and postoperative recovery characteristics in comparison with inhalation anesthesia in the early postoperative period.

Keywords: Propofol, metoclopramide, postoperative nausea and vomiting