Propofol (3.0 mg kg(-1)) preceded by fentanyl (3.0 microg kg(-1)) was adequate for the induction of anaesthesia in children and provided adequate tracheal intubating conditions without significant haemodynamic changes. This method represents a useful alternative technique for tracheal intubation when neuromuscular blocking drugs are contraindicated or should be avoided.

The addition of sufentanil 5.0 and 7.5 microg to hyperbaric bupivacaine provided adequate anaesthesia for Caesarean section and good postoperative analgesia. Pruritus was the most common side-effect and had a significantly higher incidence when a dose of sufentanil 7.5 microg was used.

The recovery from cisatracurium-induced neuromuscular block was longer during anesthesia with volatile agents as compared to propofol. The most pronounced effect was observed with sevoflurane.

No abstract