Value of Premixed Nitrous-oxide-and-oxygen Mixtures in the Relief of Post-operative Pain

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Abstract
Vital capacity measurements were used to assess relief of post-operative pain after inhaling special premixed nitrous-oxide-and-oxygen mixtures containing 25% nitrous oxide in oxygen and 15% nitrous oxide in oxygen. Oxygen only was used as a control. A series of 12 patients revealed an improvement of vital capacity after 15% nitrous oxide and an even greater improvement after 25% nitrous oxide, whereas a similar series of 12 pain-free volunteers showed no such effect. It is concluded that inhalation of a 25% nitrous-oxide mixture for brief periods can be of value in the early post-operative periods. Possible side-effects and other aspects of this form of treatment are considered.