Propofol—Ketamine Technique

Abstract

Case reports are presented demonstrating a new, safe, and simple intravenous technique for outpatient anesthesia. Vinnik's technique requires hypnotic doses of diazepam (Valium) to prevent ketamine-induced hallucinations. The initial hypothesis tested in this clinical series was whether hypnotic doses of propofol would prevent hallucinations from ketamine as satisfactorily as diazepam. Once the initial hypothesis was confirmed, consideration was given to moderating the cost of propofol by determining the effect of two levels of midazolam premedication on propofol requirements. Hypnotic doses of propofol do prevent ketamine-induced hallucinations. It is possible to achieve significant propofol savings by premedication with midazolam without compromising patient readiness for discharge by the end of the first postoperative hour.