Continuous infusion of etomidate as a method for outpatient anesthesia

Fourteen, ASA class 1 or 2, outpatients of either sex, admitted for elective arthroscopy of the knees, were anesthetized by continuous infusion of etomidate. After a mean infusion time +/- SD of 38.2 +/- 11.6 min., the awakening time was 4.96 +/- 3.29 min. Five patients (37.7%) had mild pain on the injection side and 3 (21.5%) showed myoclonic movements. Postanesthetically 6 patients (42%) were nauseated and 4 (28.5%) were vomiting. After 130.4 +/- 38.33 min. all patients could be sent home. It is concluded that continuous infusion of etomidate is unless these side effects a good alternative anesthesia technique for outpatients. (Acta anaesth. belg., 1980, 31, 39-43).