[Benefits and indications of xenon anaesthesia].
OBJECTIVE
To analyze the current knowledge related to xenon anaesthesia.


METHODS
References were obtained from computerized bibliographic research (Medline), recent review articles, the library of the service and personal files.


METHODS
All categories of articles on this topic have been selected.


METHODS
Articles have been analyzed for biophysics, pharmacology, toxicity and environmental effects, clinical effects and using prospect.


RESULTS
The noble gas xenon has anaesthetic properties that have been recognized 50 years ago. Xenon is receiving renewed interest because it has many characteristics of an ideal anaesthetic. In addition to its lack of effects on cardiovascular system, xenon has a low solubility enabling faster induction of and emergence from anaesthesia than with other inhalational agents. Nevertheless, at present, the cost and rarity of xenon limits widespread use in clinical practice. The development of closed rebreathing system that allowed recycling of xenon and therefore reducing its waste has led to a recent interest in this gas.


CONCLUSIONS
Reducing its cost will help xenon to find its place among anaesthetic agents and extend its use to severe patients with specific pathologies.
Delhaye
O
O
Fédération d'anesthésie-réanimation, CHRU de Lille, rue Polonovski, Lille cedex, France.
Robin
E
E
Bazin
J-E
JE
Ripart
J
J
Lebuffe
G
G
Vallet
B
B
D000758:Anesthesia; D018685:Anesthetics, Inhalation / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D014978:Xenon / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D018685:Anesthetics, Inhalation; D014978:Xenon