Abstract

The objectives of this study are to compare the effectiveness of different proportions of ketamine and propofol in ketamine-propofol single-syringe combination (ketofol), and to compare the effectiveness of ketofol with propofol-fentanyl and propofol alone in termination of pregnancy. Randomized, double-blind, controlled study of 100 female American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA I or II) patients of age 18 to 40 years undergoing abortion was used. Patients were randomly divided into 5 groups of 20. Groups K21, K31, and K41 were given ketofol intravenously in the ratios of propofol:ketamine, 2:1, 3:1, and 4:1, respectively in small aliquots; group PF was given 1.5 to 2 mg/kg propofol and 50 mcg fentanyl, whereas group P was given only 2 mg/kg propofol. Blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation; surgery, anesthesia, sedation, recovery, and discharge times were recorded. There was significant difference (P<0.05) in anesthesia, sedation, and discharge times. Group K21 had higher sedation, recovery, and discharge times than the other groups. All ketofol groups had high incidence of postoperative dizziness, whereas the non-ketofol groups had high incidence of intraoperative respiratory depression. Ketofol groups required less dosage of propofol than the non-ketofol groups with group P requiring the highest (3.5±0.6 mg/kg). Ketofol is as effective as propofol-fentanyl combination, especially in the ratios 3:1 and 4:1 (propofol:ketamine) for abortion.

Key words: Ketofol, ketamine, propofol, fentanyl, procedural sedation, abortion.