Pentothal sodium for the ambulatory patient.

A n e s t h e s i a produced by the intra­ venous administration of Pentothal sodium (thiopental sodium) offers the ambulatory patient relief from the usual apprehension connected with his visit to the oral surgeon. It also offers many advantages to the surgeon. It al­ lows complete control of the patient and a maximum of access to the field of oper­ ation, and the pleasant induction and re­ covery are helpful in overcoming the almost universal dislike of patients for this type of operation. Pentothal sodium should never be ad­ ministered without oxygen and equip­ ment for endotracheal intubation at hand to safeguard against the possibility of respiratory obstruction. When the drug is administered by the method to be described its use is uncom­ plicated for both patient and operator and allows the anesthetist complete use of both hands, obviating the necessity for another assistant.1' 3 Hubbel4 said: “ The anesthetist may be of great value to the dental surgeon if some means is provided to hold the syringe, thereby freeing the anesthetist to assist in the maintenance of the airway and adminis­ ter emergency treatment when neces­ sary.” The necessary equipment consists of