Stress-induced release of cortisol and prolactin during dilatation and curettage under general and local anesthesia.

Comparison of the effect of general and local anesthesia on serum prolactin and cortisol concentrations in response to the stress of dilatation and curettage revealed that short surgical procedures under general anesthesia resulted in no significant change in mean serum cortisol and in a significant decrease in mean serum prolactin. By contrast, short surgical procedures under local anesthesia resulted in a significant increase in serum prolactin and cortisol concentrations. Our findings support the importance of using general anesthesia during dilatation and curettage.