dissociative anesthesia /disō″shē·ətiv/ , a unique anesthesia characterized by analgesia and amnesia with minimal effect on respiratory function. The patient does not appear to be anesthetized and can swallow and open eyes but does not process information. This form of anesthesia may be used to provide analgesia during brief, superficial operative procedures or diagnostic processes. Ketamine hydrochloride is a phencyclidine derivative that inhibits principally the NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptor, used to induce dissociative anesthesia. Ketamine is used in combination with a benzodiazepine or alone for trauma patients with very unstable, low blood pressure or for elderly patients. Emergence may be accompanied by delirium, excitement, disorientation, and confusion.
