The American surgeon
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General anesthesia in premature babies is associated with a significant risk of life-threatening apnea. Spinal anesthesia in the high-risk infant is simple, safe, and effective, but the incidence of apnea with its use has not been previously determined. ⋯ Ketamine as an adjunctive agent adds no apparent risk. The technique is relatively easy, surgery is not compromised, and parental acceptance is high.
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In a group of 880 patients undergoing inguinal herniorrhaphy using local anesthesia, the incidence of postoperative urinary retention was 0.2 per cent. During the same period, a similar group of 200 patients had their hernias repaired using general or spinal anesthesia. The incidence of postoperative urinary retention was 13 per cent. The authors contend that the use of local anesthesia in inguinal hernia repair almost eliminates postoperative urinary retention.