Summary This study investigated theproperties ojprqpofol when given by subanaesthetic infusion

Propofol and midazolam were compared in 40 patients undergoing orthopaedic surgery under spinal anaesthesia. An infusion of either 1% propofol or 0.1% midazolam was given at a rate adjusted to maintain a similar level of sedation. The mean time to reach this required level was similar in both groups. Quality and ease of control of sedation were good in all patients. A mean infusion rate of 3.63 mg kg-1 h-1 was required for propofol and 0.26 mg kg-1 h-1 for midazolam. Immediate recovery, as judged by ability to open eyes and recall date of birth, was significantly more rapid following propofol (P less than 0.001). Similarly, restoration of higher mental function was significantly faster following propofol, measured by choice reaction time and critical flicker fusion threshold. Amnesia for the immediate postoperative period was significantly greater after midazolam (P = 0.0001).

Bupivacaine is used widely as a local anaesthetic but has potential for severe cardiovascular and central nervous system (CNS) toxicity. It has an asymmetric carbon atom giving it a chiral centre, and the commercial preparation is a racemic mixture of its two enantiomers: dextro or R(+)-bupivacaine and levo or S(-)-bupivacaine. Preclinical studies have demonstrated reduced cardiotoxicity and CNS toxicity for S(-)-bupivacaine. In this study we have compared the clinical efficacy of S(-)-bupivacaine with racemic RS-bupivacaine for supraclavicular brachial plexus block in 75 patients undergoing elective hand surgery. Patients received 0.4 ml kg-1 of either 0.25% or 0.5% S(-)-bupivacaine or 0.5% RS-bupivacaine in a randomized, double-blind study. Clinical assessments of sensory and motor block were performed at regular intervals. There were no significant differences in onset time, dermatomal spread or duration of both sensory and motor block between the three groups (the power of the study was 81% to detect a 4-h difference in duration). Duration of sensory block was prolonged with wide interpatient variation: 892 (SD 250) min, 1039 (317) min and 896 (284) min for 0.25% S(-)-bupivacaine, 0.5% S(-)-bupivacaine and 0.5% RS-bupivacaine, respectively. There were no differences in the overall success rate of the technique. We conclude that S(-)-bupivacaine was suitable for local anaesthetic use in brachial plexus block anaesthesia.

The new emulsion formulation of di-isopropyl phenol (propofol) was compared with methohexitone and thiopentone for induction of anaesthesia in day cases. Propofol produced significantly smoother induction of anaesthesia, but caused more cardiovascular and respiratory depression. Pain on injection was significantly less than with methohexitone. Post-anaesthetic recovery was superior with propofol, with virtual absence of side effects, and rapid recovery with little impairment of psychomotor function 30 min after anaesthesia.

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