Lower oesophageal contractility: a new monitor of anaesthesia.

The value of measuring lower oesophageal contractility (LOC) as a guide to the depth or adequacy of anaesthesia was investigated. Two forms of activity were recorded during light anaesthesia- nonpropulsive tertiary and provoked secondary peristalsis. Deepening anaesthesia resulted in progressive suppression of LOC. The smooth muscles of the lower oesophagus remain active despite the skeletal-muscle paralysis produced by muscle-relaxant drugs. The activity of the lower oesophagus may be a useful guide to the adequacy of anaesthesia.