Anaesthesia without tears.

Rectal induction of anaesthesia is a useful method but is not widely used in South Africa. We studied the onset of action and side-effects of 1% methohexitone administered rectally in a dose of 20 mg/kg to 110 preschool children. Ninety-one per cent were adequately sedated for inhalation induction by mask within 10 minutes, and all by 15 minutes, of drug administration. There was no evidence of significant cardiovascular or respiratory depression and only minor complications such as faecal soiling (11.8%) and hiccough (3.6%) were noted. The technique has been favourably received by parents, surgeons and nursing staff and has now become routine practice.