Morbidity of day-case gynaecological surgery. A comparison of thiopentone and Althesin

Abstract

To compare two anaesthetic techniques, morbidity following day-case gynaecological surgery in 170 patients was assessed by means of a questionnaire at the time of leaving hospital. A further questionnaire sought information for the evening of the operation, and the 1st and 2nd days after operation. Ninety-four per cent of patients returned the latter questionnaire. There was a high frequency of morbidity extending into the 2nd day after operation. An anaesthetic technique using Althesin and nitrous oxide in oxygen offered no advantage over a technique with thiopentone and nitrous oxide in oxygen and halothane.