PERORAL ENDOSCOPY: Review of the Literature for 1947

ANESTHESIA IN ENDOSCOPY  METHODS of anesthesia vary with different operators and usually are influenced by a number of factors. The agents that are available now give one ample choice, although they are not equally safe.Titche's¹ observations with tetracaine hydrochloride (pontocaine hydrochloride^®) led him to believe that it is an excellent drug for anesthesia for the upper respiratory passages if used properly. A study of the literature revealed a number of untoward reactions to tetracaine, but in many of these it appeared that excessive amounts, varying from 5 to 10 cc. of a 2 per cent solution, were used. In addition, there was a definite sensitivity to tetracaine.Procedure consists of administering pentobarbital sodium, 1½ grains (0.1 Gm.), one-half hour prior to bronchography. The prebronchoscopic medication consists of pentobarbital sodium, 1½ grains, given one hour before the examination and dihydromorphinone hydrochloride (dilaudid hydrochloride^®), 1/30 grain (0.002 Gm.), with scopolamine hydrobromide,