Oil-Ether colonic anæsthesia by the control method

Summary

• 1. Ether in olive oil administered by the colon produces an anæsthesia characterised by an even, placid respiration of normal range; with an absence of venous and capillary congestion, and an absence of mucous secretion in the respiratory tract.

• 2. Cases have been reported in which the use of solutions with a high ether percentage—60 to 80 per cent.—has produced untoward symptoms, viz.:—primary respiratory failure during the course of anæsthesia, or the passage of blood from the rectum after operation.

• 3. These dangers can be avoided almost entirely by the use of the control method in which the strength of ether in the standard solution is 50 per cent., anæsthesia being completed and controlled by a limited amount of oral inhalation.

• 4. The success of the method depends on a strict adherence to technique. Technique is everything. At the Eichmond Hospital, Dublin, the preliminary medication and the injection is conducted by the Ward Sisters and Nursing Staff, acting under instruction as regards dosage and the time of administration. Such success as has attended the method at the hospital has been due to the care with which they have adhered to the technique of administration. Their cordial assistance merits the gratitude of those primarily responsible for the anæsthesia.