[State of the glucocorticoid function of the adrenal glands in gynecological patients operated on under epidural anesthesia balanced with sodium oxybutyrate].

The alterations of hydrocortisone concentration in the blood serum have been studied in 29 gynecological patients. Epidural anesthesia combined with sodium hydroxybutyrate surface anesthesia prevents an unnecessary activation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal system. A sedative effect of sodium hydroxybutyrate favours the elimination of emotional stress in patients. The preservation of an adequate and not excessive adrenocortical response to the surgical trauma has been noted as well.