Acupuncture anaesthesia. Observations on its use for removal of thyroid adenomata and influence on recovery and morbidity in a Chinese hospital.

ABSTRACT

Acupuncture anaesthesia, supplemented by small doses of pethidine, was evaluated in 20 patients who had surgery for removal of a thyroid adenoma. There were significant increases in mean arterial pressure and respiratory rate during surgery, but no significant change in heart rate. The mean dose of pethidine given during surgery was 45 mg (SD 8.9). Postoperative recovery was rapid and complication free. Acupuncture anaesthesia did not provide complete analgesia, but was safe and preferable to general anaesthesia where there was a shortage of facilities.