Some aspects of anaesthesia for head and neck surgery.

Abstract

A non-rebreathing technique is useful in maxillo-facial and radical neck surgery because it enables adequate control with the anaesthetist and his equipment well isolated from the surgical field. With the method described there appears to be some decrease in spontaneous ventilation, but severe respiratory acidosis does not occur. Efforts to produce a moderate reduction in arterial pressure, and the avoidance of increases in venous pressure are of definite value in minimizing blood loss. Certain complications must be continuously anticipated. In many cases postoperative tracheotomy is required to prevent respiratory obstruction in the postoperative, period. The routine use of a head-up position is an important aspect of postoperative care.