Objective:

We aimed to compare the effects of propofol via target controlled infusion (TCI) or intermittent bolus (B) method on propofol consumption, hemodynamics, patient’s comfort and recovery in colonoscopies.

Materials and Methods:

Following Ethical Committee’s approval, 66 patients, (ASA I-II, 18-65 yrs) were allocated to one of two groups receiving propofol administered a either TCI or intermittent bolus (B) supplemented with remi- fentanil (0,05 µg kg min-1 iv). After 2 minutes, iv propofol was titrated as 0,5 µg mL-1 effect-site concentration and as 0,25 mg kg-1 bolus increments to achieve Ramsey Sedation Score of 3-4 in Groups TCI and B, respectively. Hemody- namic and respiratory parameters, total propofol requirements, the incidence of recall and dreaming, pain intensity, patient satisfaction, time to opening eyes, and also to recovery were recorded.

Results:

Heart rate increased significantly at first 1.-2. min in Group TCI (p<0,05- p<0,01), and measurements at all time-points except at 5 min in Group B (p<0,01) compared with baseline. Mean arterial pressure was significantly hig- her in Group B at 5., 6., 7. and 8. min than the corresponding values in Group TCI (p<0,05- p<0,01). Recall, dreaming, pain intensity, total propofol dose, time to eye opening, recovery and patient satisfaction did not change between the groups.

Conclusion:

Our results suggest that propofol TCI does not confer any benefit over bolus propofol with respect to drug consumption and recovery profile for sedation in colonoscopy. However, propofol TCI rather than bolus propofol may be a better choice for the prevention of hemodynamic response during colonoscopy.

Keywords: Sedation, anesthetic, intravenous, propofol, infusion; target-controlled