Total intravenous anaesthesia with low dose ketamine and Althesin Assessment of a technique for minor surgery in difficult situations

Summary In 38 patients subjected to minor surgery, totally intravenous anaesthesia with low dose ketamine and Althesin produced adequate operating conditions in 92% of patients with minimal cardiorespiratory disturbance. Problems arose from muscular hyper tonus, spontaneous movement and occasionally salivation. Initial recovery was quicker and the incidence of side-effects lower, than those reported when ketamine was used as the sole agent. The technique could be useful in difficult situations as an alternative to inhalation anaesthesia or other intravenous techniques.