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Rectal methohexitone induction in pediatric outpatients: physostigmine does not enhance recovery

R S Hannallah, M D Abramowitz, W A McGill

    Canadian Anaesthetists' Society Journal
    |May 1, 1985
    PubMed

    Insights

    Rectal methohexitone effectively induced anesthesia in children undergoing outpatient myringotomy. Physostigmine did not significantly shorten recovery time and was associated with side effects like vomiting.

    Area of Science:

    • Pediatric Anesthesiology
    • Pharmacology

    Background:

    • Outpatient pediatric surgery requires safe and effective anesthetic induction.
    • Rectal methohexitone is a potential option for pediatric anesthesia induction.
    • Understanding the efficacy of adjuvant medications for recovery is crucial.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To evaluate the efficacy of rectal methohexitone for anesthesia induction in children undergoing outpatient myringotomy.
    • To assess the effect of physostigmine on recovery time after rectal methohexitone anesthesia.
    • To identify potential side effects associated with physostigmine administration.

    Main Methods:

    • 15 unpremedicated children received rectal methohexitone (25 mg/kg) for anesthesia induction.
    • Induction times were recorded.
    • Participants were randomized to receive intravenous physostigmine (60 µg/kg) or saline placebo in a double-blind manner.
    • Recovery room stay was measured.

    Main Results:

    • Anesthesia induction with rectal methohexitone ranged from 4 to 11 minutes.
    • Physostigmine administration did not significantly reduce recovery room stay compared to placebo (34 minutes vs. 43 minutes).
    • Vomiting and soiling were observed as side effects in the physostigmine group.

    Conclusions:

    • Rectal methohexitone provides a viable method for inducing anesthesia in pediatric outpatients.
    • Physostigmine does not appear to significantly accelerate recovery from rectal methohexitone anesthesia in this setting.
    • The use of physostigmine may be associated with increased incidence of vomiting and soiling.

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