ANAESTHESIA FOR CAESAREAN SECTION: An Evaluation of a Method using Low Concentrations of Halothane and 50 per cent of Oxygen

The addition of 0.5 per cent of halothane vapour to a basic thiopentone, nitrous oxide, muscle relaxant anaesthetic technique does not increase blood loss at Caesarean section, does not affect the incidence of hypotension, and is likely to ensure unconsciousness. By permitting the administration of 50 per cent of oxygen with nitrous oxide, the condition of the newborn infant is likely to be improved. The use of 0.8 per cent of halothane vapour does not increase blood loss but is associated with a high incidence of hypotension and for this reason is not advisable.