Ceasing routine use of nitrous oxide-a follow up.

BACKGROUND

The role of nitrous oxide in modern anaesthesia is questioned. The routine use of nitrous oxide was almost completely stopped in our department after November 1, 2000, and we now report some consequences.

METHODS

Staff completed a questionnaire after 6 months, and we analysed the use of hypnotics and opioids after 12 months. The cost of drugs for the year after stopping nitrous oxide was compared with the cost 2 yr before.

RESULTS

Less than half of the 55 staff members who answered the questionnaire used nitrous oxide in the 6 months after the stop, and they did so on only a few occasions. Half of the staff members thought the benefit of nitrous oxide was small. Most supported the change. The use of opioids was stable during the study period, and there was an annual increase of 12-14% in the use of hypnotics during the 3 yr.

CONCLUSIONS

The staff questionnaire showed a strong acceptance of the new policy, and the use of other anaesthetic agents did not increase as expected. Has the value of nitrous oxide been overestimated?