We evaluated the use of remifentanil administered as a component of an inhalation or of a Target Controlled Infusion (TCI) anesthetic technique during outpatient oral surgery. Sixty-three unpremedicated patients undergoing removal of four impacted third molars participated to this prospective, randomized study. Anesthesia was induced with Propofol and Rocuronium. Remifentanil 1 microgram.kg-1 i.v. was given over 30 s followed by a continuous infusion reduced from 25% each time a tooth was removed (0.25-->0.0625 microgram.kg-1 min-1). Anesthesia was maintained with Desflurane (group D, n = 31) (end-tidal concentration 4-6%) or Propofol (group P, n = 32) (initial infusion TCI 8 micrograms.ml-1 reduced to 2-3 micrograms.ml-1 after intubation). Corticosteroids, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) (Diclofenac) and a partial mu agonist drug (Tramadol) were administered i.v. during the procedure to prevent early postoperative pain. Recovery time, postoperative pain, recovery of cognition and nausea or vomiting were also evaluated during the first six postoperative hours. Overall mean systolic blood pressures and heart rate were similar in the two groups during surgery. Mean times to extubation and to recall of birth-date and room number were also similar. The quality of awakening was good in the two groups. Most patients complained of moderate pain or had no pain during the first six postoperative hours. The incidence of nausea and vomiting was similar in both groups. No other side effect was observed. These data suggest that the association of Remifentanil, Methylprednisolone, Diclofenac and Tramadol is an useful technique in ambulatory oral surgery in two comparable anesthetic regimens.