[Use of althesin in general surgery with particular reference to ophthalmic surgery]

Personal experience with Althesin in general surgery, with particular regard to eye surgery, is reported. Ocular tonometry was carried out in all patients. This showed that a diminution is a constant feature of Althesin anaesthesia. In 80% of patients, the diminution in O.T. values was 50% compared to basal levels. The O.T. reduction brought on by Althesin was also significant after administration of succinylcholine which is well known to cause a rise in ocular tension. Results also show a reduction in curare consumption in all anaesthesias carried out with Althesin. It is concluded that the drug is completely reliable in all branches of surgery.