rectal

Last reviewed 01/2018

The indications for rectal administration of anaesthesia are few: those with unsuitable peripheral intravenous access or in children.

Thiopentone, methohexitone, etomidate and ketamine have all been administered via this route.

Rectal anaesthesia carries a significant risk as a faecally-loaded rectum can retard absorption and venous drainage varies between individuals. Absorption is thus unpredictable.