Anaesthesia for laryngeal microsurgery by laser was conducted using etomidate and alfentanil. Patients' lungs were ventilated with air to avoid the danger of fire during the use of the laser. Thirty one patients received fentanyl/droperidol or pethidine for premedication. Anaesthesia was induced with etomidate 300 micrograms/kg and maintained with etomidate 30 micrograms/kg/minute. Alfentanil was given as an initial bolus of 40 micrograms/kg with subsequent increments of 15 micrograms/kg. Systolic arterial blood pressure and heart rate decreased significantly at some time intervals. Blood biochemistry and blood gases were within normal ranges, except for elevated PaO2 values during ventilation on pure oxygen. This technique adequately provided the requirements for prompt, smooth awakening, with a low incidence of nausea and vomiting.