[Respiratory impact of new anesthetic agents]

Respiratory depression is induced by the great majority of anaesthetic agents and is responsible for the morbidity and mortality and is the prime complication of anaesthesia. However, for several years newer agents are available which are characterised by equal or superior power although the duration of their residual effects, in particular their respiratory effects are considerably reduced. This development leads to the possibility that the newer agents will enable a reduction in the respiratory morbidity associated with anaesthesia.