Etomidate infusion for laryngoscopy

Reporting our experience with etomidate infusion in 37 cases of endoscopic examinations of the larynx, we recommend a method of general anesthesia ensuring easy examination conditions and rapid recovery. After premedication with atropine, IV Thalamonal is administered till obtention of somnolence. A dose of 0.25 mg/kg of etomidate is used for induction and an infusion at a rate of 25 mcg/kg/min for maintenance of anesthesia. Succinylcholine is used for intubation and whenever complementary muscular relaxation is required. Ventilation is ensured by the jet mixing technique with a manual injector. Fentanyl is given when reactions of tachycardia or arterial hypertension due to nociceptive stimuli are observed. The method described is safe, provides good conditions of anesthesia with complete amnesia and rapid recovery.