The unfavourable effects of prolonged anaesthesia

Abstract

In the light of recent investigations I have undertaken to re-examine the thesis that prolonged anaesthesia may be shocking Discussion was confined to the pharmacological properties and manner of administration of anaesthetics, although it is recognized that many effects cannot be distinguished from those produced by operation Not only may anaesthetics alter physiology intra-operatively, but their physical properties suggest that retention in the body can extend untoward effects into the postoperative period As an example of postanaesthetic shock the instance was cited of postoperative hypotension refractory to vasopressor drugs Some of the common abnormalities underlying this condition were enumerated, and each subsequently exammed for possible anaesthetic complicity