No abstract

due to neuromuscular block of respiratory muscles, since they could have completely recovered. With the existing knowledge, could I suggest another explanation of the events in the case reported by Dr. Ross and his colleagues ? The presence of curare-like block on E.M.G. could be due to recurarization as a result of 180 mg. of gallamine, used in a patient with poor circulation, poor renal function, and a very low serum calcium level. The respiratory inadequacy at the end of operation in spite of 2.5 mg. of neostigmine could be attributed to the existence of metabolic acidosis, maintained and accentuated by superadded respiratory acidosis with or without partial recurarization. Oral neomycin has a distinct advantage of its own in the prevention of complications after elective surgery on the colon ; therefore, before surgeons can accept the suggestion that "neomycin should be kept to a minimum" more convincing proof is required.-I am, etc.,