We have used eltanolone and propofol to induce anaesthesia and by intermittent injection to supplement nitrous oxide during maintenance in 67 patients undergoing minor gynaecological surgery. This study was a controlled randomized phase III with two parallel groups and a blinded assessment of post-operative recovery. Complications during induction and maintenance were few. Urticaria occurred in two patients given eltanolone and in none of those given propofol. Time to orientation and time to eye opening were significantly shorter in the propofol group (P < 0.001). Systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased in both groups but the decrease was significantly greater in the propofol group (P < 0.005 systolic blood pressure; P < 0.001 diastolic blood pressure). Heart rate decreased significantly in the propofol group (P < 0.002). We conclude that eltanolone anaesthesia is associated with a greater haemodynamic stability than propofol anaesthesia but that early recovery occurs more slowly.