Study of emergence time and recovery of psycho-motor function after propofol-alfentanil anaesthesia

ABSTRACT

We have investigated the emergence time and the postoperative recovery of psychomotor function after minimally invasive procedures carried out under total intravenous anaesthesia using propofol and alfantanil. The study was carried out on 60 patients categorized into two equal groups group I [elderly patients>65 years] and group II [younger patients < 40 years]. The emergence time was assessed by detecting the awaking time [eye opening on verbal commands], time to orientation, and Aldrete Recovery score. The recovery of psychomotor function was assessed using the speed of information processing [simple visual reaction time and simple auditory reaction time] and memory function test. These tests were performed before surgery and, 30 min, 1h, 2h, and one day after it. The results showed that the emergence time was similar in both groups, however, the psychomotor function recovered completely 2h after surgery in the elderly group compared to 1h in the younger group. These findings emphasize that the emergence time after minimally invasive surgery under propofol-alfentanil anaesthesia was comparable in both groups and the delay in recovery of psychomotor function in the elderly patients compared to younger patients was short lasting and improved within 2h after surgery