title: Pulmonary function after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy--a comparison of general and regional anaesthesia.
abstract: The effect of general anaesthesia on postoperative pulmonary mechanics was studied by comparing pre- and postoperative spirometry in 30 patients undergoing extracorporal shock wave lithotripsy, 15 of whom received a unilateral intercostal nerve block, the remainder a general anaesthetic. Both groups of patients had significant postoperative changes in peak expiratory flow rate, expiratory reserve volume and vital capacity; forced expiratory volume at one second was not significantly changed in either group. There were no significant differences in the pre- or postoperative mechanics between the two groups. We conclude that general anaesthestics do not play a significant role in the generation of abnormalities in postoperative spirometry.
authors.affiliation: New York Hospital, Cornell University Medical Center, New York.
authors.forename: R E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Kelly
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Binion
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Malhotra
authors.forename: J F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Artusio
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000769:Anesthesia, Inhalation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007367:Intercostal Nerves; D008096:Lithotripsy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009407:Nerve Block; D012119:Respiration; D013147:Spirometry