title: New perspectives on anesthetic agents.
abstract: The practices of anesthesiology are changing to meet the needs of an older and sicker patient population, to adapt to advances in medical technology and operating techniques, and to provide better postoperative conditions for patients and those caring for them. There is a large spectrum of anesthetics and a variety of anesthetic techniques that allow anesthetic onset and recovery to be rapid, vital functions to be maintained within normal limits, and operating conditions to be adapted to the needs of both patients and surgeons. Nevertheless, all anesthetic drugs and techniques have inherent risks as well as benefits, and despite expertise and caution in their use, a satisfactory outcome for the patient cannot be guaranteed.
authors.affiliation: Emory University School of Medicine, Emory Clinic, Atlanta, Georgia 30322.
authors.forename: C C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Hug
mesh_terms: D000698:Analgesia; D000768:Anesthesia, General; D000772:Anesthesia, Local; D000776:Anesthesiology / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends*; D000777:Anesthetics; D004723:Endorphins; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D003473:Neuromuscular Nondepolarizing Agents
chemical_list: D000777:Anesthetics; D004723:Endorphins; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D003473:Neuromuscular Nondepolarizing Agents