To the inhalational agent is usually added an analgesic. This may be in the form of an opiate or its derivative or nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide is an anaesthetic gas, i.e. it does not exist as a liquid at room temperature.
All can cause nausea and vomiting and halothane often results in ‘shivering on recovery. The inhalational agent is started as soon as induction has been produced. lt takes time for inhalational agents to reach a therapeutic level due to their wash into the lungs. and their distribution to tissues with varying blood flow and fat content. The level of anaesthesia is monitored according to the signs of the various stages of anaesthesia, the response of the cardiovascular system and the response of the patient to stimulation.
Lacrimation, sweating, hyperventilation, tachycardia and hypertension tend to indicate anaesthesia which is too light. The inhalational agents form only one of the cornerstones of balanced anaesthesia in Reflux Surgery Sydney.
