Objective To observe the influence of propofol-ketamine combined intravenous anesthesia and ketamine intravenous anesthesia on breath and circulation functions and the postoperative recovery for children undergoing mini-middle-operations. Methods Thirty children undergoing mini-middle-operation were randomly divided into two groups: the propofol-ketamine group (15 cases), continuous infusion of propofol [4~6 mg/(kg·h) ] and ketamine [2~3 mg/(kg·h)]during the operation; the ketamine group (15 cases), intermittent intravenous injection of ketamine [1~2 mg/kg] during the operation. Results During the operation the function of circulation in the propofol-ketamine group was more steady than that in the ketamine group. The incidences of involuntary movement and nystagmus were less in the propofol-ketamine group than the ketamine group. The amount of ketamine was less and the time for recovery was shorter in the propofol-ketamine group than the ketamine group (P0.05). Conclusion Compared with intravenous ketamine anesthesia, propofol-ketamine combined anesthesia is more steady and faster to awake after operation and therefore more suitable to children's operation.