Background: We compared the postoperative effects of propofol and sevoflurane used for anesthesia during elective cesarean section, using bispectral index (BIS) monitoring.
Methods: Fourteen parturients were randomized into two groups (Propofol group; P group, Sevoflurane group; S group). All patients received thiopental and suxamethonium for induction and had orotracheal intubation in rapid sequence. All patients received 1% sevoflurane until delivery. In the P group, sevoflurane was stopped after delivery and propofol infusion was started, to achieve target BIS values below 60; the infusion rate was 6. 17 +/- 0.98 mg x kg(-1) x h(-1). Patients in the S group received 1% sevoflurane. All patients were given fentanyl and vecuronium as required.
Results: There were no significant differences between the two groups in their times for beginning drinking, walking, eating or removal of urinary catheters after the operations. There were no significant differences in total blood loss or intraoperative dose of oxytocin, but postoperative and total doses of oxytocin were significantly higher in those in the P group.
Conclusions: Comparing the effects of propofol and sevoflurane on the postoperative condition of parturients, no differences could be detected. We can choose to use propofol instead of sevoflurane for cesarean section.