Propofol as an hypnotic in combination with fentanyl and vecuronium was used for total intravenous anaesthesia in 30 healthy unpremedicated patients undergoing elective surgery scheduled to last no longer than 1 h. Induction with propofol 2 mg/kg and fentanyl 1.875 micrograms/kg resulted in cessation of counting after 39 s and the loss of the eyelash reflex after 57 s. Mean recovery times, measured from the end of the infusion of propofol (9 mg/kg/h) and fentanyl (7.5 micrograms/kg/h) until eyes opened on command and questions answered correctly were 10.5 and 11.5 min, respectively. Trieger test, performed 3 h postoperatively, showed no difference in comparison with the preoperative score. During longer procedures there was evidence of accumulation in that propofol utilization rate decreased as the duration of anaesthesia increased. The results obtained are similar to those described with the previous Cremophor formulation although greater variability in induction and recovery times was noted with the emulsion formulation.