Impact of Target Controlled Infusion Estimated Concentration of Propofol on Implicit Memory Formation During Propofol-Remifentanil General Anaesthesia

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating whether different concentrations of Propofol during Total Intravenous Anaesthesia with Target Controlled Infusion (TIVA-TCI) affect implicit memory formation. This study focuses on how Propofol levels at key points—loss of responsiveness, maintenance, and return of responsiveness—might influence memory during general anaesthesia. The question of memory formation during anesthesia remains debated, with no clear anesthetic or analgesic regimen identified to prevent it. Participants will undergo general anesthesia with TIVA-TCI where 20 common Italian words are played continuously from loss of responsiveness until the end of surgery for one group. Another group will have the same procedure but without hearing the words, to measure the role of chance in memory tests. Propofol concentrations and hypnosis levels, monitored by a Sedline device, will be recorded at specific anesthesia stages. Within 12 to 24 hours after surgery, patients will complete tests including Word Stem Recognition, Free Recall, and Forced Choice Recognition to assess implicit memory formation. The study compares results between those exposed to the words during anesthesia and those who were not. Researchers will analyze these outcomes alongside recorded Propofol concentrations to understand their relationship with memory. Participation involves assessments shortly after surgery, with the overall study lasting from anesthesia through postoperative testing.

Impact of Estimated Concentration of Propofol on Implicit Memory Formation