title: Relationship between lower oesophageal contractility and type of surgical stimulation.
abstract: We have studied the effects of two discrete types of surgical stimulation on contractions in the lower oesophagus. Forty-four female patients undergoing either abdominal hysterectomy or varicose vein surgery were anaesthetized using a standard technique. The frequency of spontaneous oesophageal contractions (SLOC) and amplitude of provoked contractions (PLOC) were greater in those patients undergoing hysterectomy. The oesophageal index (OCI), a single index combining both types of contractions, was found also to relate to the nature of the surgical stimulus.
authors.affiliation: University Department of Anaesthesia, Leicester Royal Infirmary.
authors.forename: D I
authors.initials: DI
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.forename: A R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Aitkenhead
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000768:Anesthesia, General; D004947:Esophagus / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007044:Hysterectomy; D008875:Middle Aged; D009119:Muscle Contraction; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative; D014648:Varicose Veins / Q000601:surgery