A randomised trial of propofol sedation versus desflurane anaesthesia, used to supplement spinal anaesthesia, on the quality of recovery following hip replacement surgery in adult patients

For patients receiving propofol infusion, the dose will be adjusted according to sedation requirements by the anaesthetist (This may range fom 50-500 mg/hr via intravenous infusion). Patients will be spontaneously ventilating, with supplemental oxygen administered via a clear Hudson mask at 6 L /min. Supplemental midazolam (1-5 mg intravenous) is permitted. A BIS target of > 65 will be set for depth of sedation. For patients receiving desflurane anesthesia they will receive intravenous induction of anesthesia with propofol (50-200 mg) followed by desflurane via inhalation. Ventilation will be via larangeal mask anesthesia and spontaneous ventilation unless the treating anaesthetist considers that endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation is required for the particular patient. The dose of desflurane will be adjusted according to the clinical requirement by the anaesthetist. A target BIS of 40-60 will be set for depth of anaesthesia.