Objective To observe the effect of propofol on breathing mechanics in critical patients with mechanical ventilation and intra-abdom inal hypertension (IAH). Methods Fourty-eight I AH patients in ICU.who were treated by mechanical ventilation, were randomly divided into 2 groups; the observation group and the control group. Propofol was used for the observation group, and midazolan was used for the control group, there were 24 cases for each group. The changes of breathing mechanics and oxygenation indexes and intra-abdominal pressure were observed during sedation. Results There was a significant decrease in airway resistance and intra-abdominal pressure (P <0. 05) ,but there was no significant difference in pulmonary static conpliance and oxygenation indexes between the two groups (all P > 0.05). Conclusion Using propofol in patients,who were treated by mechanical ventilation ,is better in reducing mechanical ventilation of airway resistance and improving breathing mechanics and lessening intra-abdominal pressure.