COMPARISON OF ALFENTANIL WITH SUXAMETHONIUM IN FACILITATING NASOTRACHEAL INTUBATION IN DAY-CASE ANAESTHESIA

SUMMARY We have performed a prospective study in 100 adults (ASA I or II) undergoing day-case dental extraction to compare the conditions for intubation and the postoperative sequelae of suxamethonium and alfentanil as adjuncts to propofol. The patients were allocated randomly to two groups comparable in age, sex and weight. Successful intubation was achieved in 100% of the suxamethonium group and 90% of the alfentanil group. Of the patients who received suxamethonium. 74% developed myalgia on the day after surgery, compared with 20% in the alfentanil group (P 70 : 34–37)