Propofol infusion anaesthesia and immune response in minor surgery

Abstract

This study was set up to evaluate the effects of propofol infusion anaesthesia on immunological function in minor surgery. Twenty‐seven patients (median age 51 years, ASA 1‐2) scheduled for minor breast surgery were randomly assigned to two groups. Anaesthesia was induced in group 1 with propofol 2.5 mg.kg‐1 and maintained with propofol 12 mg.kg‐1.h‐1 and 30% O2 in air, whereas in group 2 anaesthesia was induced with thiopentone 4 mg.kg‐1 and maintained with 70% N2O in O2. Fentanyl and vecuronium were used in both groups. The percentages of T cells (p < 0.001), B cells (p < 0.01) and memory T cells increased (p < 0.01) in both groups. T helper cell percentages increased in the propofol but not in the thiopentone group (p < 0.05). The percentages of natural killer cells decreased from pre‐induction values in both groups (p < 0.001). No changes were seen in lymphocyte proliferative responses. Minor breast surgery under propofol or conventional combined anaesthesia had only minor effects on the immune response. The higher percentage of T helper cells after propofol anaesthesia compared to conventional combined anaesthesia is beneficial, but its clinical importance remains to be determined. 1994 The Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland