EFFECTS OF ENFLURANE ANAESTHESIA AND SURGERY ON ENDOCRINE FUNCTION IN MAN

Abstract

Patients (45) underwent enflurane anesthesia and surgery. Anesthesia alone evoked little change in the plasma concentrations of ACTH, cortisol or antidiuretic hormone (ADH), but there were significant increases during surgery. The plasma concentrations of aldosterone increased during anesthesia alone, and a further increase was noted during surgery. Neither enflurane anesthesia nor surgery significantly influenced plasma concentrations of renin activity and thyroxine. A significant decrease in the plasma triiodothyronine concentrations was detected during anesthesia alone, and a further decrease was found during and following surgery. Enflurane anesthesia did not effect the plasma concentration of luteinizing hormone (LH) in male subjects throughout surgery, but a significant decrease in female patients was detected by the 1st day after operation. The plasma concentrations of testosterone decreased during anesthesia alone and surgery, and a further decrease was noted on the 1st day after operation.