PROPOFOL VERSUS PROPOFOL WITH MIDAZOLAM FOR LARYNGEAL MASK INSERTION

We evaluated the addition of midazolam to propofol during induction of anaesthesia by assessing laryngeal mask tolerance, haemodynamic varia bles, recovery times and cost. Forty patients (ASA grades I-IV) underg oing elective surgery were allocated randomly to receive a standard do se of propofol or a smaller dose of propofol combined with midazolam. A laryngeal mask was inserted and any episodes of coughing or hiccupin g during its insertion or removal were recorded. Anaesthesia was maint ained with nitrous oxide and enflurane with fentanyl for analgesia. Af ter surgery, recovery times, pain, shivering, nausea, vomiting and ana lgesic requirements were recorded. The cost of the drugs used was also calculated. No significant differences were detected in any variables , except that patients given propofol needed more morphine in the reco very ward. The average cost of propofol alone was pound 3.47 per anaes thetic, while the midazolam plus propofol cost was pound 2.03. Adding midazolam to propofol allowed a reduced dose of propofol to be used wi thout adverse effects, while reducing the anaesthetic costs.