Etomidate as an induction agent in minor operative procedures.

Etomidate was compared to thiopentone sodium as an induction agent in 132 out-patients undergoing sterilization by laparoscopy and cauterization of the oviduct. Neither agent caused any significant effects on heart rate or blood pressure. Etomidate-induced patients had a statistically significantly quicker return of awareness post-operatively. In a further large series (164) of out-patients undergoing minor surgery, the average stay in hospital post-operatively was 1 hour 30 minutes. Side-effects were rare and did not include, with this technique, significant myoclonus or pain on injection.