Propofol-only anesthesia, also known as total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) or total intravenous sedation (TIVA-S), refers to administering anesthesia solely using the medication propofol without inhalational agents.

Propofol is a short-acting intravenous anesthetic agent that provides rapid onset and offset of anesthesia, making it suitable for induction and maintenance of anesthesia during surgical procedures. Propofol’s use will result in various, targeted, levels of sedation, amnesia, and unconsciousness.

In propofol-only anesthesia, propofol is typically administered as a continuous intravenous infusion through an intravenous line or by bolus injections. The dosage is adjusted according to the patient's individual needs and response, aiming to achieve the desired level of anesthesia and sedation.

This technique offers several advantages. First, propofol has a quick onset of action, allowing for a smooth and rapid induction of anesthesia. It also has a relatively short duration of action, enabling a fast recovery and minimal residual effects after surgery. Propofol has anti-nausea properties, reducing the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting. Additionally, propofol-only anesthesia avoids using inhalational anesthetics, which may be beneficial for patients with respiratory issues or those requiring a controlled or precise depth of anesthesia.

Propofol-only anesthesia is commonly used for various surgical procedures, including endoscopic procedures (colonoscopies and upper endoscopies), transesophageal echocardiograms (TEE), and shorter-duration outpatient surgeries. It may be employed as a sole anesthetic technique or in combination with other medications as determined by your CRNA.