Twenty-one patients were studied to compare the success rate of anesthesia induction using target-controlled infusion of propofol with and without fentanyl. All patients were premedicated with atropine 0.5 mg and hydroxyzine 25-50 mg. Five minutes after intravenous administration of fentanyl 2 micrograms.kg-1, patients were given infusions of propofol designed to achieve target blood concentrations of 3 micrograms.kg-1. Loss of verbal contact was regarded as successful induction. The success rate of anesthesia induction within three minutes of achieving the target concentration was 90%. Pain on injection and reduction in blood pressure were infrequent. Selecting a target concentration of 3 micrograms.kg-1 with fentanyl 2 micrograms.kg-1 can be expected to successfully induce anesthesia in the majority of patients without major hemodynamic side effects and pain on injection.