Total I.V. anesthesia using a continuous etomidate infusion.

Total I.V. anesthesia was given to 20 patients using an Etomidate continuous infusion to maintain sleep, combined to Fentanyl analgesia, Droperidol, Pancuronium for muscular relaxation and artificial ventilation with an oxygen-air mixture. All these patients were carefully observed during and for several hours after the anesthesia and the results noted. With the Fentanyl dosages used in this technique, peroperative analgesia was frequently insufficient. More Fentanyl would probably be needed with the inherent dangers of prolonged postoperative depression.