A comparison of eltanolone and propofol anaesthesia for minor gynaecological surgery

Abstract

We have used eltanolone and propofol to induce anaesthesia and by intermittent injection to supplement nitrous oxide during maintenance in 67 patients undergoing minor gynaecological surgery. This study was a controlled randomized phase III with two parallel groups and a blinded assessment of post-operative recovery. Complications during induction and maintenance were few. Urticaria occurred in two patients given eltanolone and in none of those given propofol. Time to orientation and time to eye opening were significantly shorter in the propofol group (P < 0.001). Systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased in both groups but the decrease was significantly greater in the propofol group (P < 0.005 systolic blood pressure; P < 0.001 diastolic blood pressure). Heart rate decreased significantly in the propofol group (P < 0.002). We conclude that eltanolone anaesthesia is associated with a greater haemodynamic stability than propofol anaesthesia but that early recovery occurs more slowly.

Eltanolone: 50 years on and still looking for steroid hypnotic agents!

“…In the recent study by Whyte et al . [21], eltanolone was given by incremental dosing to supplement fentanyl‐nitrous oxide anaesthesia for minor gynaecological surgery and compared with propofol. Early indices of recovery were achieved faster in the propofol group, but there were no differences in the quality of intermediate recovery when measured using the Digit Symbol Substitution Test and Maddox Wing Test.…”

Eltanolone: 50 years on and still looking for steroid hypnotic agents!

“…In the recent study by Whyte et al [21], eltanolone the steroid structure, such as extra hydroxy groups, was given by incremental dosing to supplement fenreduce anaesthetic activity and occasionally introduce tanyl-nitrous oxide anaesthesia for minor gynaeconvulsant properties (e.g. 11 -hydroxy compounds).…”