Patients admitted for day-case laparoscopy were assigned randomly to receive nitrous oxide-oxygen or oxygen, with enflurane, during a standard anaesthetic technique. Postoperative morbidity, in particular nausea and vomiting, and ability to resume normal activity were assessed over the ensuing 48 h. Supplementary administration of propofol during the operative procedure was required significantly more often (P less than 0.05) in the absence of nitrous oxide. There was no significant difference in the incidence of vomiting before discharge when nitrous oxide was omitted. The incidence and severity of nausea over the 48 h following operation was similar in both groups. There was no difference in analgesic or anti-emetic requirements before discharge and the time taken to resume normal activity was similar. It is concluded that nitrous oxide may be avoided readily in day-case laparoscopy without affecting postoperative morbidity or time taken to return to "street fitness" and normal activity.

Summary Fifty‐six women having out‐patient gynaecological laparoscopies were studied to determine anasthetic problems and postoperative morbidity. It is concluded that the procedure is safe, and although the postoperative morbidity appears high it is very acceptable to the patient.

Summary Fifty‐six women having out‐patient gynaecological laparoscopies were studied to determine anasthetic problems and postoperative morbidity. It is concluded that the procedure is safe, and although the postoperative morbidity appears high it is very acceptable to the patient.

Fifty-six patients undergoing elective laparoscopy were allocated randomly to two groups. Group H received alcuronium and were ventilated artificially using 0.5% halothane and nitrous oxide in oxygen. Group E breathed spontaneously a mixture of enflurane and nitrous oxide in oxygen. Arterial pressure, heart rate, tidal volume, respiratory rate and end-tidal carbon dioxide tension (PECO2) were monitored. The electrocardiogram (ECG) was recorded continuously using magnetic tape, from before induction until the patient left the recovery area. The incidence of arrhythmias was similar in the two groups. No arrhythmias occurred after the insufflated carbon dioxide had been removed from the abdomen. Spontaneous ventilation with enflurane anaesthesia is a simple and safe, technique for routine laparoscopy, providing the intra-abdominal pressure does not exceed 25 mm Hg.

SummaryA comparison was made of postoperative morbidity following two anaesthetic techniques for day case laparoscopies. One group of patienrs was allowed to breathe spontaneously after intubation under suxamethonium. The second group received atracuriwn and their lungs were mechanically ventilated. Patients in the controlled ventilation group experienced signi@cantly less severe sore throats and muscle pain in the first 24 hours postoperatively than the patients who breathed spontaneously. Both techniques proved to be safe and are suitable for day case laparoscopy. The safety of patients is discussed in relation to the choice of anaesthetic technique used.