Effects of nitrous oxide on single breath induction with enflurane.

A single vital capacity breath method of inhalational induction using 4% enflurane in 67% nitrous oxide (group I) or 100% oxygen (group II) was studied in 30 patients. Nitrous oxide accelerated induction time (71 (22 SD) seconds in group I versus 136 (29 SD) in group II, P </= 0.01) and was associated with a decreased incidence of excitement and respiratory disturbance ( P </= 0.05). There were no significant differences between groups in systolic blood pressure, heart rate or arterial oxygen saturation. The technique was acceptable to 87% in group I and 33% in group II ( P </= 0.02).