A combination of alfentanil-lidocaine-propofol provides better intubating conditions than fentanyl-lidocaine-propofol in the absence of muscle relaxants.

Purpose: To compare the ease of tracheal intubation without the use of muscle relaxants following an alfentanil-lidocaine-propofol sequence vs a fentanyl-lidocaine-propofol sequence.

Clinical Features: In 80 ASA I and II adult patients undergoing elective laparoscopic surgery, we compared the intubating conditions following alfentanil 20 microg x kg(-1), lidocaine 1.5 mg x kg(-1), propofol 3 mg x kg(-1) (Group I; n = 40) vs fentanyl 2 microg x kg(-1), lidocaine 1.