'SUBGENERAL anesthesia" denotes a condition of a hypnoidal nature or a state intermediate between sleeping and waking.
A technique is described wherein an ultrashort-acting barbiturate is given intravenously so that the patient is unaware of discomfort and pain during the administration of a regional local anesthetic for rhinoplasty and allied facial plastic surgery.
Method
The patient is surveyed by a complete history and physical and laboratory examinations. Special attention is given to the history of previous anesthetics, surgeries, allergies, and drug sensitivities. He is also told that there will be an awareness of being transferred to the operating suite, but there will be no discomfort or pain during the anesthetic, and because of his cooperation the surgery will be more relaxing and enjoyable to the patient, the surgeon, and the anesthesiologist. This technique permits the use of a minimal amount of premedication, so that at no time are the vital