Laryngeal Competence with Ketamine and Other Drugs

Abstract

The ability of the larynx to close in response to instillation of radiopaque dye into the pharynx was studied in 75 patients one minute after induction of anesthesia. Anesthesia was induced with ketamine, diazepam, chlormethiazole or one of three induction agents, with or without premedication. The presence of aspiration was assessed by radiologic screening. Soiling of the tracheobronchial tree with contrast medium occurred following all agents studied, and its incidence was increased by sedation or opiate premedication. The least aspiration occurred after 1 mg/kg ketamine or 0.5 mg/kg diazepam in the absence of preanesthetic medication.