Coagulation-fibrinolysis system in man during Ethrane anaesthesia and surgery

The coagulation-fibrinolysis system was studied during Ethrane anaesthesia and gynaecological operations in 20 patients. No particular change was noted in the platelet counts, which remained within the normal range. In the coagulation system, no appreciable change was observed except for the partial thromboplastin time (P.T.T.) which was significantly short-ended, both 30 minutes after the start of operation and in the recovery room when the patient had completely awakened from the anaesthesia. In the fibrinolytic system, the plasminogen level and the fibrinogen level declined significantly. It is considered that the fibrinolytic system is prominently accelerated under Ethrane anaesthesia, but the haemostatic mechanism works in such a manner that bleeding is controlled. However, Ethrane anaesthesia should be avoided or pre-operative administration of an antiplasmic agent recommended for patients with an abnormal haemostatic mechanism.