This article is only available in the PDF format. Download the PDF to view the article, as well as its associated figures and tables.
DURING the past five years we have used thiopental sodium U. S. P. (pentothal sodium®) in 1,636 operations on the ear, nose and throat. The unwarranted criticism of this anesthetic agent in otolaryngologic operations has prompted us to describe our experiences with this particular anesthetic.
It is not our intent that thiopental sodium should replace all other anesthetics for operations on the ear, nose and throat, but we do maintain that it is highly satisfactory in those cases in which it is definitely not contraindicated, as determined by history, physical examination and laboratory findings. The ease with which it is administered, the rapidity of its action, as contrasted with that of inhalation anesthetics, the absence of postanesthetic nausea and vomiting and the rapid recovery to the conscious state have a strong appeal to both surgeon and patient. It seems that the chief objection to its use in throat surgery is