Silent death

Abstract

There is suspicion that complications such as respiratory failure and circulatory disturbances associated with relaxant techniques are more common and more serious than hepatic or renal problems after anesthesia with halogenated drugs. It is stated clearly that most major, widely used inhalation anesthetics are safe and, in fact, in many settings safer than general anesthetic techniques involving relaxants and opioids. Pressure from non anesthesiologists and fear of legal retribution should not compel the anesthesiologist to use techniques that today might be more defendable in malpractice suits but are medically poorer choices.