Nitrous oxide analgesia for outpatient procedures.

Nitrous oxide analgesia is a safe alternative to parenteral narcotics for outpatient surgical procedures. This type of analgesia is effective, well tolerated by most age groups, easily administered, rapidly reversible and associated with a low incidence of serious side effects. Hypoxia can be prevented by using fail-safe equipment, by observing prescribed limitations on nitrous oxide concentrations and by administering 100 percent oxygen on termination of nitrous oxide administration.