The effects of thiopentone and propofol on upper airway integrity

Abstract

One hundred and fifty-eight unpremedicated patients scheduled for elective surgery were allocated randomly to receive an unsupplemented induction dose of thiopentone or propofol. Visualisation of the vocal cords by standard laryngoscopy was possible more often after propofol (p less than 0.01). Pharyngeal and laryngeal reactivity was similarly depressed more frequently.