M643: Enhance Your Propofol Anesthetic With Low-Dose Ketamine and an Infusion Pump

Abstract

Since its introduction in 1989 the substituted phenolic compound propofol has replaced the ultra short-acting barbiturates such as methohexital and thiopental in many oral surgery offices and operating rooms throughout the world. Two of propofol’s primary attributes are a short serum half-life and rapid biotransformation and elimination. These characteristics lead to the shortened recovery time which is so essential for outpatient anesthesia. However, propofol has a number of other desirable characteristics as well. It is associated with a markedly diminished incidence of laryngospasms and is well tolerated in both renal and hepatic insufficiency. In addition, propofol has anti-emetic properties, and emergence from a propofol anesthetic is associated with a profound feeling of well-being which boosts patient acceptance dramatically.