Efficacy of simple sedation of pediatric computed tomography.

A mixture of meperidine, chlorpromazine, and promethazine was used for sedation prior to computed tomography in pediatric patients. Diagnostic-quality scans were obtained in 88% of cases, and there were no important complications. Advantages of routine use of sedation over general anesthesia include random scheduling of adults and children, independence from the other demands placed on the anesthesia service, less need to admit these children to the hospital, and low cost.