Background: Concern for induction of anaesthesia in patients posted for short surgical procedures are hemodynamic stability, safe and rapid induction and smooth reversal with minimal adverse effects. This study was designed to compare etomidate and propofol for their effect on hemodynamics and various adverse effects.

Method 

Eighty ASA I & II patients, 20– 60 years of age posted for short surgical procedures of 15– 20 minutes duration like incision and drainage, breast abscess, closed reduction, K–wire fixation, cystoscopy DJ stent removal, D&C etc were divided in two groups of 40 each receiving   Inj. Etomidate (0.3mg/kg body weight) and Inj. Propofol (2 mg/kg body weight). After premedication patients were  maintained on  N2O:O2. Induction time and vital parameters ie heart rate, Mean arterial  pressure were recorded at 1,3,5,10 and 15 minutes. Adverse effects ie pain on injection, myoclonus, allergic reactions and post operative nausea and vomiting were carefully watched.

Results:

Demographic variables were comparable in both the groups. Patients in etomidate group showed early induction with little change in heart rate and  Mean arterial  pressure compared to propofol from baseline values. Pain on injection was more in propofol group while myoclonus and post operative nausea and vomiting was higher in etomidate group.

Conclusion

This study concludes that etomidate is a better induction agent than propofol due to its induction period, hemodynamics stability and less pain on injection.