[Pelviscopy under epidural and general anaesthesia. Comparison of two methods]

The effects of 2 methods of anaesthesia for gynaecological pelviscopic examinations were compared. For this purpose 28 patients were divided into 2 equal groups (A and B). The patients of group A received a general anaesthetic with intubation, relaxation tic was administered. The patients of group B received an epidural anaesthetic block and were allowed to breathe room air spontaneously. During the procedure the cardiovascular system and changes of blood-gases were observed and recorded. No statistically significant differences in pulse rate and blood pressure between the two groups were found. Blood gases taken prior to anaesthesia and at the end of the procedure revealed a statistically significant decline of the pH. The increase in pCO2 in both groups as well as the rise in base excess in group A were significant. There was no significant difference between both groups. Because of the limited number of cases the statistical results have to be regarded with reservation. No anaesthetic complications occurred. The results show that epidural anaesthesia represents a true alternative to general anaesthesia.