MAJOR OPERATIONS ON PATIENTS WITH POLIOMYELITIC IMPAIRMENT.

Pertinent data on operations (other than orthopedic) carried out in 39 patients who had residual impairment from poliomyelitis were reviewed with a view to appraising what additional operative risk there may be for such patients. For a large proportion of the patients, equipment to aid respiration was needed and a large proportion of the operations were urologic procedures as might be expected in a group with generally restricted physical activity. Also, the occurrence of complications was higher than for an ordinary surgical service. Even so, the experience indicated that residual impairment from poliomyelitis ought not be considered a contraindication even of elective, let alone emergency operations.