The impact of bolus versus continuous infusion of intravenous ketamine on bispectral index variations and desflurane administration during major surgery: The KETABIS study.

Background: Although ketamine, a NMDA-receptor antagonist, tends to increase the bispectral index (BIS), it remains a widely used analgesic whenever administered in low doses during major surgery.

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the impact of intravenous ketamine (given either as a continuous infusion or as a bolus) on BIS and to compare desflurane administration and postoperative outcomes between the groups.

Design: Prospective, randomised, parallel-group, open-label study.