[Anesthesiologic aspects of narco-curare-electroshock treatment]

The physiology and side-effects of narco-curare-electric shock treatment are reviewed on the basis of the literature and, similarly, risk groups are delimited. Directives for preoperative assessment, the anaesthesiological procedure and per- and postoperative observation are given. It is concluded that the NCE procedure is associated with a low risk and slight mortality provided the above-mentioned conditions are observed. Patients with cardiovascular disease constitute the greatest risk group and should receive optimal medical treatment prior to NCE. In cases with raised intracranial pressure, NCE should only be employed with great reservation. ECG monitoring, treatment with atropine and preliminary treatment with oxygen are advised in general. Withdrawal of psychocopharmaca prior to NCE is rarely indicated.