[Comparison of halothane and enflurane on the pulmonary compliance (author's transl)]

The peroperative pulmonary compliance in spontaneous ventilation is studied in two series of ten anesthetized patients with halothane and enflurane, in closed system. The tidal volumes (inspiratory and expiratory at noflow point) are recorded by pneumotachograph (Godard 17212). The intrathoracic to mouth differential pressure is recorded by pressograph (Godard 17300). The measurements are simultaneously realized by linear recorder (Brush gould 2500) or by XY recorder (Bryans 26000 A4). At the second hour of anaesthesia with enflurane pulmonary compliance is not modified (non significant increase to 11,5 p. cent: 0,3 less than P less than 0,2) while with halothane it shows a very significant 25 p. cent decrease (0,001 less than P less than 0,01). The authors relate this difference to the specific feature of breathing in the course of such an anaesthesia with enflurane.