[Propofol for paediatric patients in ear, nose and throat surgery. Practicability, quality and cost-effectiveness of different anaesthesia procedures for adenoidectomy in infants]. / Propofoleinsatz für Hals-Nasen-Ohren-Eingriffe im Kindesalter. Praktikabilität, Qualität und Kosteneffektivität verschiedener Narkoseverfahren zur Adenotomie bei Kindern.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was an improvement in patient comfort, reduction of anaesthesia costs and room contamination by the use of propofol for adenoidectomy. METHODS: A total of 103 infants (aged 1-5 years) undergoing elective adenoidectomy were randomized for anaesthesia with sevoflurane-nitrous oxide/oxygen (group 1), sevoflurane-air/alfentanil (group 2), alfentanil-propofol under induction with sevoflurane (group 3) or alfentanil-propofol (group 4). RESULTS: Using propofol, postoperative agitation and emesis were significantly less and the anaesthesia costs as well as the need for analgesics was reduced compared to inhalative anaesthesia. CONCLUSIONS: The use of propofol for preschool children undergoing ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgery seems to be advantageous because of less postoperative agitation, emesis and costs.