Alfentanil for general anesthesia in oral and maxillofacial surgery

This study evaluated alfentanil (Alfenta, Janssen Pharmaceutica, Piscataway, NJ) as an analgesic supplement to oxygen/nitrous oxide anesthesia for outpatient oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures. Fifty American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) class I and II patients were induced and maintained with an established regimen. Parameters measured included anesthetic properties, orientation time, recovery time, and presence of side effects. The results indicated that alfentanil provides acceptable anesthesia with minimal recovery time, but occasional side effects such as nausea and vomiting occurred postoperatively. This drug, when properly used, is a welcome addition to other established general anesthetic agents in oral and maxillofacial surgery.