An anaesthetic technique for bronchoscopy

Anaesthesia for Bronchoscopy: Examination of a Standard Technique

An anaesthetic technique for bronchoscopy is described, based on increments of methohexitone given in strict relation to body weight and time, suxamethonium being used to produce relaxation. There was no awareness in the 75 patients studied, while the recovery was rapid and unrelated to the duration of bronchoscopy. The efficacy of small aliquots of lignocaine in reducing injection pain was the same whether given before, or mixed with, the initial methohexitone injection. Other sequelae relating to the anaesthetic technique were minimal.

Total intravenous anaesthesia

Total intravenous anaesthesia is a feasible alternative to the use of inhalational agents and the rationale behind such a technique is presented. The various intravenous agents are discussed, particularly with regard to their suitability for this form of anaesthesia, and their physiological effects compared with those of the inhalational anaesthetics. Some of the problems associated with the use of total intravenous anaesthesia are mentioned.

Methohexitone and etomidate for bronchoscopy

General anaesthesia for bronchoscopy has been provided with either methohexitone or etomidate, with and without fentanyl. Recovery was faster following methohexitone and there was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of complications. Inclusion of fentanyl in the technique did not confer any benefits with either drug.