Comparison of propofol-fentanyl and propofol-ketamine anaesthesia in minor gynaecological surgery

A controlled randomized with double blind study was design to evaluate ketamine as an analgesic in sub-anaesthetic doses in comparison to fentanyl. The efficacy and clinical tolerance of the two anaesthetic techniques was studied in 50 patients undergoing minor gynaecological procedures. In group I, propofol-fentanyl and in group II propofol-ketamine combination was used. Parameters indicating efficacy were, number of episodes of inadequate anesthesia as judged by changes in haemodynamic parameters and autonomic signs, time of awakening and full orientation of patient, while parameters indicating tolerance were haemodynamic variables, number of episode of intra-operative complications and need for post operative analgesia. The results show no statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding efficacy and tolerance. Therefore ketamine in sub anaesthetic doses can be recommended as an alternative analgesic for short procedure.