Comparison of Cost-Effectiveness of Propofol Using Target-Controlled Infusion (TCI) with Standard Anesthesia Regimens in Major Operations

Background: The purpose of this study was to compare the cost-effectiveness of propofol using a target-controlled infusion (TCI) with two currently used anesthetic regimens during major operations. Methods: Forty-two patients undergoing major gynecological smgery were divided into three groups according to the period during which the surgeries were performed. Group propofol/TCI (n = 16) received 1% propofol using TCI-50% N20, Group isoflurane (n = 14) received thiopental 5 mg/kg-isoflurane-50% N20, and Group enflurane (n = 12) received thiopental 5 mg/kg-enflurane-50% N20. All patients also received 2 ㎍/kg of fentanyl before induction. Concentrations of propofol and volatile anesthetics were varied according to the patients hemodynamic responses. Consumption of volatile anesthetics was measured by weighing the vaporizers by a ptecision weighing machine. Results: Biometric data, duration of surgery and of anesthesia were similar in the three groups. Recovery from anesthesia was significantly shorter in the propofol/TCI group. Episodes of postoperative nausea and vomiting in the recovery room were less common in propofol/TCI group. Patient satisfaction was similar in all three groups. Total (intra- and postoperative) costs were significantly higher in the propofol/TCI group. Conclusions: When compared with the standard anesthetic regimens, the use of propofol using TCI anesthesia during major operations was associated with higher costs, but did not offer any clinically significant advantages in cost-effectiveness over the standard anesthesia regimens.