Canadian Journal of Anesthesia, Vol 14, 470-482, Copyright © 1967 by Canadian Anesthesiologists' Society

The Use of Fentanyl in the Operative and Postoperative Period, with Reference to Methoxyflurane

¹ Department of Anaesthesia, University of Alberta Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta

Comparable groups of adult patients undergoing abdominal surgery were anaesthetized with methoxyflurane alone or supplemented with fentanyl. It was found that fentanyl reduced methoxyflurane requirements and that 4 L./min. O₂ containing 0.34 per cent methoxyflurane in a semi-closed circle absorber system was almost invariably adequate for maintenance.

Patients were observed for one hour postoperatively and it was found that the supplemented group recovered consciousness more rapidly and were better able to respond to auditory commands. There was evidence that the startle reflex is active under certain circumstances during the early stages of recovery of consciousness. Fentanyl could be used satisfactorily to relieve distress in the postoperative period.

Interviews during the convalescent period established the absence of any experiences that might be termed hallucinatory. Only four out of forty patients had any recollection of their experiences in the recovery room.