Nitrous oxide: still useful in the year 2000?
The risk-benefit ratio of using nitrous oxide has been debated for many years. In this article the adverse effects of nitrous oxide on patient well-being, including its role in postoperative nausea and vomiting, its toxic effects and adverse physiological changes are reviewed. Guidelines for the rational use of the drug are suggested.
James
M F
MF
Department of Anaesthesia, University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Science, Cape Town, South Africa.