[Althesin in endocranial surgery of long duration]

The results of personal experience of Althesin in long-duration (from 4 to 11 hours) neurosurgery are presented. The drug was used as an induction agent and for maintaining anaesthesia in continuous perfusion. Considering the good results obtained, the simplicity of the technique and the lack of side effects, it is concluded that Althesin is useful in this type of surgery, particular stress being laid on the speed and quality of arousal, and the excellent tolerance assessed by exploring secretory and excretory function of the liver with enzymatic tests.