A 78 year-old man develops a tumor of the parotid gland requiring surgical removal under general anesthesia. He had been a cigarette smoker for many years and had a barrel chest characteristic of emphysema. Induction was performed with thiopental (Pentothal), intubation with succinylcholine (Anectine), an anesthetic maintenance with nitrous oxide accompanied by 0.25-1.0% isoflurane (Forane).
case author: Hugh S. Mathewson, M.D., Professor Emeritus, School of Allied Health, Department of Nurse Anesthesia, University of Kansas Medical Center
case editor: Michael Gordon, Ph.D.
What is the theoretical advantage of employing nitrous oxide as the maintenance anesthetic agent?
postoperative hypoventilation
prolonged sedation following anesthesia
increased rate of recovery from neuromuscular-blockade