Cardiac Arrhythmias During Oral Surgery With Halothane-Nitrous-Oxide-Oxygen Anesthesia

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Abstract
Electrocardiograms were recorded continuously during 103 consecutive oral surgical procedures in 65 apparently healthy individuals anesthetized with intravenously administered methohexital (Brevital) sodium followed by inhalation of halothane-nitrous-oxide-oxygen mixture. Cardiac arrhythmias were recorded in 44 (42.7%) of the 103 procedures, with more than one arrhythmia recorded in each of 16 patients. The incidence of the arrhythmias rose sharply with beginning of the surgery and declined equally abruptly with its termination, suggesting reflex stimulation and simultaneous "sensitization" by the anesthetic, most likely halothane. Because of the potentially serious nature of many of the arrhythmias encountered, we suggest that this form of anesthetic not be used routinely for oral surgery in an outpatient setting unless the equipment and personnel for prompt resuscitation are available.

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