Techniques of Inhalational Analgesia in the Postoperative Period

Effect of Subanaesthetic Concentrations of Nitrous Oxide on the Regulation of Ventilation in Man

“…Nitrous oxide is used to provide analgesia in dental and obstetric practice, and as an analgesic in the period after operation, particularly in patients with limited respiratory reserve, because it is thought to have no adverse effect on ventilation (Parbrook, 1967;Wilton and Pelmore, 1971;Pryor and Bush, 1973). Used in this way, nitrous oxide is believed to be safer than conventional opioid drugs, although this supposition has not been tested formally.…”

Entonox

“…Russian workers apply continuous nitrous oxide analgesia through corrugated tubing from a reservoir bag to a standard face mask harnessed to the patient's face (Petrovsky & Yefuni 1967). I have used Entonox by a continuous flow system to an MC mask (Parbrook 1967). With the latter technique the concentration of Entonox can be adjusted by the flow rate to the mask, while adjustment of concentration in the Russian technique is by addition of supplementary air to the delivery system.…”

Factors to Weigh in While Administering Nitrous Oxide Anesthesia [Response to Letter]

“…N 2 O anesthesia has little effect on the respiratory system. 7 , 8 In order to avoid adverse effects of N 2 O, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that the percentage of N 2 O delivered should not exceed 50% concentration during procedures. 8 In general, diffusion hypoxia is not known to occur in cataract surgery with short operating time and 30% N 2 O; 9 however, caution should be exercised when using more than 50% N 2 O.…”

“…N 2 O anesthesia has little effect on the respiratory system. 7,8 In order to avoid adverse effects of N 2 O, the…”