Neurolept analgesia in ambulatory (nasal) endoscopies

Neurolept analgesia in ambulatory nasal endoscopies has been gaining widespread use recently. Scrupulous selection of patients and careful preoperative evaluation and premedication are essential. Excellent surgical block is a prerequisite to good neurolept analgesia. Versed (midazolam) is particularly suitable for outpatient surgery, since it provides superior operative condition to Valium (particularly less venoirritation) and rapid recovery in the postoperative period associated with a low incidence of nausea and vomiting. When used in combination with fentanyl (Sublimaze) or alfentanil, Versed is suitable for the provision of total neurolept analgesia. Careful intraoperative vigilance and monitoring, including pulse oximetry, cannot be overemphasized.