A volatile anesthetic such as ether or halothane (with or without nitrous oxide) should be used for induction when intravenous substances are prohibited, especially when intubation is likely to be difficult.
Full relaxation of muscles is achieved in deep anesthesia using ether. Increased bronchial and salivary secretion can be avoided by using atropine as a precursor to anesthesia. Laryngeal spasm may occur during induction and intubation. Local hemorrhagic haemorrhage can cause some problems, and nausea and vomiting after surgery are frequent; recovery time is slow, especially after prolonged administration.
If intubation is likely to be difficult, it is preferable to use halothin. It does not increase salivary or bronchial secretions and the incidence of nausea and vomiting after surgery is low. Severe hepatitis may occur and may be fatal; it is more likely in patients who are frequently anesthetized with halothin in a short period of time.
Full relaxation of muscles is achieved in deep anesthesia using ether. Increased bronchial and salivary secretion can be avoided by using atropine as a precursor to anesthesia. Laryngeal spasm may occur during induction and intubation. Local hemorrhagic haemorrhage can cause some problems, and nausea and vomiting after surgery are frequent; recovery time is slow, especially after prolonged administration.
If intubation is likely to be difficult, it is preferable to use halothin. It does not increase salivary or bronchial secretions and the incidence of nausea and vomiting after surgery is low. Severe hepatitis may occur and may be fatal; it is more likely in patients who are frequently anesthetized with halothin in a short period of time.
