Clinical assessment of etomidate for outpatient general anesthesia: a preliminary evaluation

Etomidate, a nonnarcotic, nonbarbiturate hypnotic agent, was assessed in a group of 20 patients requiring general anesthesia for outpatient oral surgical procedures. Changes in mean blood pressure, heart rate, and transcutaneous oxygen tension (PtcO2) were examined following the intravenous administration of etomidate for the induction and maintenance of general anesthesia. Clinical evidence of pain on injection, myoclonic muscle activity, apnea, nausea, and emesis were documented. A postoperative questionnaire evaluated levels of amnesia and acceptance of the drug by the patient and surgeon. No significant (P less than 0.05) change in PtcO2 occurred during etomidate infusion; however, a statistically significant but clinically insignificant change did occur in mean blood pressure and heart rate. Although myoclonic muscle activity, pain on injection, and nausea and vomiting were documented, the subjective evaluation of this agent by patient and surgeon was favorable.