Patients who are having difficulty breathing or who have a reduction in oxygen saturation may require endotracheal intubation and ventilatory support. General anesthesia combines amnesia, analgesia, skeletal muscle relaxation, and sensory blockade. Several anesthetic agents are necessary to achieve adequate surgical anesthesia. 7 Alfentanil is a popular IV adjunct in outpatient settings because of its short duration of action. Opioids produce analgesia, euphoria, and sedation.
Benzodiazepines produce amnesia.
Postoperative effects may include somnolence, disorientation, amnesia, and postoperative respiratory depression, if used in conjunction with opioids. These agents have a low incidence of nausea and vomiting. Adverse effects include somnolence, if repeated intraoperative doses have been given, and respiratory depression. Approximately twice as potent as sodium pentothal, it may be used for sedation or induction and maintenance of general anesthesia. Dosages are reduced in patients who have multiple disease entities, or who are elderly or premedicated.