Canadian Journal of Anesthesia, Vol 17, 275-278, Copyright © 1970 by Canadian Anesthesiologists' Society

The "Analgizer" in a General Hospital: A Preliminary Report

We found the advantages of the Analgizer to be the following:

1. It is simple to administer.

2. It produces a high percentage of satisfactory results (i.e. 80 per cent in our study).

3. It may be given to several patients simultaneously.

4. It allows labour to progress normally.

5. All vital signs remained normal in the mother, the baby, or the injured patient.

6. It is disposable, thus preventing the risk of cross infection and eliminating the need for cleaning and sterilization.

7. It is safe over a prolonged period of time.

8. The patient, after a brief explanation, takes to it quite readily.

The disadvantages were:

1. The unpleasant and nauseating odour.

2. A feeling of over-confidence on the part of the patient during the analgesic stage, which required constant supervision of the nurses.

3. The high price. Each administration costs $3.50 ($1.10 for the Analgizer and $2.40 for each 15 cc dose of methoxyflurane). This lasts for less than two hours, after which a further dose of methoxyflurane is needed.

To conclude, we liked the Analgizer because of its safety, effectiveness, and simplicity. Its greatest drawbacks were its high cost and the necessity of having a nurse in constant attendance during its administration. We intend to expand its use to other areas such as the dressing of wounds on surgical wards and for minor diagnostic procedures in urology.

Note:

From the Department of Anaesthesia, Ottawa General Hospital. Supplies of the Analgizers and methoxyflurane (Penthrane) were kindly provided by Abbott Laboratories Ltd., Montreal.