Enflurane for controlled hypotension.

Enflurane was substituted for halothane in an established technique of controlled hypotension, involving beta-blockade and sympathetic ganglion blockade, for 2 groups of patients. One group was undergoing major plastic surgery and/or major maxillo-facial surgery and these patients breathed spontaneously. The other group was undergoing major neurosurgery and received intermittent positive pressure ventilation (IPPV). All patients were carefully monitored during anaesthesia and for 24 hours postoperatively. Good operation conditions were produced and no ill effects of controlled hypotension were detected in any of the patients.