BACKGROUND: We performed a prospective, randomized, controlled trial to compare the quality, hemodynamic response, and recovery index of laryngeal mask airway (LMA) insertion after either propofol alone or co-administration of alfentanil-propofol anesthesia.

METHODS: Sixty patients (ASA 1 or 2, 17-63 years) were randomly allocated to control and experimental group. Control group(Group I) was received placebo (saline), experimental groups were received alfentanil 10µgram/kg (Group II), 20µgram/kg (Group III), 30µgram/kg (Group IV).

RESULTS: Loss of consciousness and LMA insertion were more rapid in patients with alfentanil 30 µgram/kg group than control group (P<0.05). In alfentanil 20µgram/kg group, loss of consciousness was more rapid than control group. Also, there were significant differences in propofol induction dose, effect site concentration on induction, and propofol maintenance dose between control and experimental group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that co-adminstration of alfentanil-propofol, especially 30µgram/kg group, compares favorably with propofol alone, although LMA removal time is prolonged.