Experience with etomidate as part of a total intravenous anaesthetic technique.

Etomidate and fentanyl have been used in three different ways as part of a total intravenous anaesthetic technique. The results suggest that etomidate and fentanyl should be infused separately. The quality of induction of anaesthesia following a rapid infusion of etomidate was comparable with that following a bolus injection of thiopentone. None of the techniques had a significantly deleterious effect on the cardiovascular system and, where measured, on respiratory, renal or hepatic function.