Commentary
A study presented at the International Anesthesia Research Society and reported by Anesthesiology News analyzed more than 1,800 patients aged 65 and older receiving propofol for induction of general anesthesia. Investigators found post-induction hypotension was extremely common, and that risk remained high even at lower propofol doses. The study noted additional risk associated with factors such as pre-induction hypertension and co-administration of opioids. Because propofol is a widely used IV induction agent, these findings underscore a persistent challenge with current anesthetic drugs: achieving reliable anesthesia while preserving hemodynamic stability.
This research adds to the broader conversation about the risks associated with even brief periods of hypotension during surgery. It should be noted that the Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation announced intraoperative hypotension as a public safety issue in June 2024.