Preglottic low-frequency Venturi jet ventilation in laryngoscopic microsurgery in adults. The influence of inspiratory time and frequency of ventilation.

The influence of inspiratory time and frequency of jet ventilation was investigated in an experimental model of a jet ventilator and a set of artificial lungs. The optimal ventilatory settings, when used in the clinical context, result in safe, adequate ventilation, as was proved by Astrup and intratracheal pressure measurements in 15 patients.

A comparison of the anaesthetic properties of propofol and methohexitone when used as the sole induction agent for thermocoagulation of the gasserian ganglion.

Methohexitone and propofol were compared when used as the sole induction agent for thermocoagulation of the Gasserian ganglion. Sleeping and apnoea times were not significantly different for both drugs, nor were they for the same drug during repetitive inductions. However, the haemodynamic data showed a better stability when propofol was used.

Safety of labetalol-induced controlled hypotension during middle ear microsurgery.

In order to study the influence of labetalol on the peroperative oxygenation during deliberate hypotension, 50 patients undergoing middle ear microsurgery were randomly divided in two groups of 25 patients; one group receiving labetalol to induce hypotension, the other group receiving placebo in a double blind manner. In the group receiving labetalol the arterial oxygen tension (PaO2) decreased significantly 5 minutes after the intravenous bolus injection. Within 30 minutes the PaO2 returned to the starting level.

Intranasal sufentanil for pre-operative sedation.

Sufentanil, a short-acting and potent narcotic agent, was studied as a premedicant administered by the nasal route. A total dose of 5 micrograms appeared to be too low, while either 10 or 20 micrograms was very effective in producing sedation. Side effects were minor.

Parathyroidectomy and postoperative hypocalcemia: a retrospective study.

The data of 24 patients, operated for different types of hyperparathyroidism were reviewed in order to evaluate the evolution of calcium levels during the first week following surgery. A correlation with the preoperative values of alkaline phosphatase could be demonstrated. It may be concluded that in the primary affected patients a stay in the ICU, only for hypocalcemia-related problems, is not required.